A Soldier’s Prayer
I looked and looked for something appropriate for Veteran’s Day and when my eyes fell upon this poem titled A Soldier’s Prayer, I stopped looking.
Most emergency personnel like the military, police, firemen, doctors, etc. are really people we hope not to see or need.
A consequence of this, I believe, is that we don’t honor these professions enough.
What do you think?
The poem below makes this point but gives the ultimate credit for a job well done.
Courtesy of Inspire21.com — Author unknown
The soldier stood and faced his 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 streets are awfully tough.
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 done your work well. Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets, You’ve done your time in Hell.”
May we all bless our military personnel, past and present with our words and our deeds as much as the poem suggests that God will do.
Ronald Reagan – A Soldier’s Pledge – Listen, Learn, Remember
A Soldier’s Pledge
President Ronald Reagan delivered this highly emotional Soldier’s Pledge speech on May 26, 1983, as a Memorial Day tribute to those who sacrificed for our freedom.
It is simple, yet eloquent.
And it recalls patriotism at its best in a unique pledge by one particular soldier.
It is as relevant to Veteran’s Day as Memorial Day.
Watch, listen, gain respect for our military and our nation.
Ronald Reagan – A Soldier’s Pledge – Listen, Learn, Remember
Etc.
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Thanks. I appreciate it. – Dick S
