Lest we forget

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    This weekend sees rememberance sunday and as a former soldier, I never forget those who I served with and who lost their lives in the service of their country, or those who continue to do so.

     

    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~

     

    Thank you...and may you all Rest in Peace

8 comments
  • Mal Ware Yes thanks for posting that! I too am old enough to have had granddads in the First World War, one of whom was gassed, my dad was in the Second and my eldest brother was guarding the Suez Canal in the 50's and came under fire many times!
  • Jady Shaw Thank you Silvia, although I've witnessed mans atrocities, fortunately never really had to endure them. I was born 1 year after ww2 ended, raised in care so never knew my parents. Lived through the 60's believing a nuclear war could happen at any minute...  more
  • Deleted Member Thank you all, Am ex Army and did my duty on the streets of Northern Ireland during the late 70s and early 80s and was disabled out of the army just before the Falklands...several of the boys I served with didnt come home. Tomorrow though, I will be...  more
  • Pauline Smith Today there will be no trams running between 10.00 and 12.30 in Manchester city centre (they run past the cenotaph) as a mark of respect.