AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

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, 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 Soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us the freedom of the press.


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

rhomin57 Loc: Far Northern CA.

That is so awesome, and called for watery eyes. I really enjoyed it. I know I've said this before, but I'll say it again because I believe it: "A man wearing a helmet to protect your freedom, should make more than a man wearing a helmet- protecting a leather ball.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

I can take no credit. It was sent to me by a site member. Due to my horrible technology sk**ls, I was unable to provide the picture of one of our soldiers in full combat gear with one knee down praying.

rumitoid

Excellent post! It had the same effect on me as when I see those surprise homecomings of soldiers with their families: sweet and sad and wonderful.

rhomin57 Loc: Far Northern CA.

Now, that would have taken the cake as tears would have rolled. I'm really glad you shared it here.

rhomin57 Loc: Far Northern CA.

A cute joke to pick things up a little.
Forrest Gump faces St. Peter at the Gate to Heaven:
St. Peter tells Forrest that he has to answer 3 questions before he could enter through the Gate.
1. How many days of the week start with "T"?
2. How many seconds in a year?
3. What is God's Name.
Forrest sits down for a bit thinking. Then stand up and says "I know!"
1. Forrest says there are two days that start with "T."
St. Peter asks him which ones where Forrest replies: Today, and Tomorrow.
2. Forrest states there are 12 seconds per year.
St. Peter asks hows that? Forrest states: There's January's seconds, Februarys seconds, and so forth.
3. Forrest states that God's name is "Andy!"
St. Peters asks him where he got that? So Forrest begins to sing: And he walks with me, And he talks with me....
St. Peter chuckles and lets him in.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

Just for you. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcRCa7SDhxA

rumitoid

Funny stuff, thank you, needed a good laugh (and it could work for blondes, which I was in my youth of the male disorder type).

rumitoid

Forgive my penchant for taking things sometimes too seriously and for going where a topic may not best be directed. God alone protects our freedom, as long as they serve his purposes. No army or system of government is capable of doing this work. This view does not in any way take away from our soldiers a single ounce of their courage, dedication, and sacrifice; it merely acknowledges who is really in control of our lives and destiny.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I had forgotten that joke, from years ago. It was great to have you bring it back. Truly funny, yet moving...and at the right time. :thumbup: :mrgreen:

angery american Loc: Georgia

Thank you so much for this post...My youngest son is currently in the army {Striker Brigade infantry} After 2 tours in Ira k, and 1 in Afghanistan. With many hours spent worrying and praying for his safe return, reading this helps me understand his desire to be s soldier. I am a vet myself 66/68, but not by choice. The soldiers today make the choice to serve us and our country...My thanks to all of them for their bravery and sacrifice...

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

:thumbup: AA, I/we will join you in wishing/praying for your son's safe return home. In this, we can all be United.

May you and your wife/family be blessed in this matter. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

angery american Loc: Georgia

Thank you.... :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

rhomin57 Loc: Far Northern CA.

Watch out there-grrr, I was a blonde from 2yrs until 49yrs old. Hair began to darken naturally after that. Fairly coveted hair color for a long time.

rhomin57 Loc: Far Northern CA.

That was the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! I would recognize their singing anywhere. Did you know that the large wooden structure in the middle of the choir, with the gold tone pipes is one whole organ that is played?
Thank you, that was great.