These were the simplest things in life, but none of them were free. A man had to earn them by sweat and hunger and fatigue. That was why they were good.”
–Ernest Haycox (The Border Legion)
“He who keeps the commandments keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die.”
–Proverbs 19:16 (NKJV)
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This is the beginning of the Memorial weekend. It is on Memorial Day that we remember the fallen; those who gave their all in the service of their country. I was debating on what to write when I came across a poem.
The Soldier Has Come Home
Lay the green sod on me
carve my name in stone,
lay the green sod on me
the soldier has come home.
Don’t mourn for me, my darling
don’t cry when I am gone.
Don’t mourn for me, my darling
the soldier will come home.
My friends have gone before me
and laid their tired bodies down.
My friends have gone before me
to prepare the resting ground.
Let me go to sleep now,
to march and fight no more.
Let me go to sleep now
I’m tired, my body’s sore.
So lay the green sod on me
put the wreath upon my stone
lay the green sod on me
the soldier has come home.
–Barry Sadler
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I don’t have a real problem with the picnics and the barbeques, as long as there is time to remember those who sacrificed their lives so that we can have those special times. I had an uncle die in Vietnam and a cousin give his life on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Others served, not having to give the ultimate sacrifice, but as the slogan well states: “All Gave Some–Some Gave All.”
It riles me to no end to see our military mocked. There is bitterness inside me when I see pseudo-politicians sneer at the Constitution, and gloat in their positions of power. Let me stop there, for you–some of you understand what I mean. In closing today, I want to leave you with a poem by our most decorated combat soldier, Audie Murphy. It was written sometime in the late 1940s.
Alone And Far Removed
Alone and far removed from earthly care
The noble ruins of men lie buried here.
You were strong men, good men
Endowed with youth and much the will to live.
I hear no protest from the mute lips of the dead.
They rest: there is no more to give.
So long my comrades,
Sleep ye where you fell upon the field.
But tread softly please
March O’er my heart with ease.
March on and on,
But to God alone we kneel.
Sometime today, get alone and have a time of silence. Remember the fallen, remember their sacrifice, then turn your eyes toward heaven and thank God for them.