[Milsurplus] For Veterans Day, The Final Inspection

[n2lxm at juno.com]

The Final Inspection--a Salute 
 
 
THE FINAL INSPECTION 
 
 
The Marine 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, Marine,
 
How shall I deal with you?
 
Have you always turned the other cheek?
 
To My Church have you been true?"
 
The Marine 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 Marine waited quietly,
 
For the judgment of his God.
 
"Step forward now, Marine,
 
You've borne your burdens well.
 
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, 
 
You've Served 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 flag, who serves beneath the flag, 
and whose coffin is draped by the flag. 
 
There are those who say they stand behind the flag.

  We the Military Stand in front of Our Flag
 
 

  To All Those Who have Served and To Those who are Serving Now


                                            Thank You, And God bless You


                                                        Jeff N2LXM
                                        AMATEUR RADIO OPERATOR
                                                       AMERICAN
                                                        PATRIOT
                                      Proud Father of two US MARINES

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