THE FINAL INSPECTION


The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.


If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."


There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.


"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."


~Author Unknown~


It's the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. It's the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It's the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.


If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the Military, please pray for our men and women who have served and are currently serving our country and pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.


Got this from another forum....Since I'm military it hit home, thought it would for others!

 

Thanks To Our Military For Providing Us The Protection And Freedom To Drive Our Mustangs Anywhere We Want In This Great Country Of Ours!

 

Amen!

tripleblack

 

:icon_salu

 

Thanks a lot. when i was on a plane to Au deid, Qatar. i talked to a lot of marines who were going on a 6 month tour around baghdad, syria, tyliel, balad and a few other places. i sort of felt bad because im on a strict rotation with the air force. now, that im here in Balad things arent so bad i do my job and go home. i work 16 hour days sometimes but i dont ever feel tired, because i know there are a lot of other worse places that i could be. ill be home soon enough counting up my days im on day 11 of 120+. like i said it could be worse.

Im out
A1C McKinney :icon_salu

 

Been out there more times then I can count! Can't wait to stop the BS rotations we are on.....I'm in the Navy, but not on any ships.....I get the pleasure of being right up front!