Its easy in this day and age seem to lose track of the things that really matter. We get all wrapped up in work, juggling bills, trying to be here and there at the same time. Your spouse has their work, you have yours. You may even have 2 kids in seperate schools and all that really makes life a challenge! Not to mention the economy, the stock market.. the price of the newest tool ya have to have...price of a gallon of milk or gas, we wont go there.. Anyway. Someone sent this to me and I for the life of me dont remember who.. but it kinda puts things in perspective. At least to me it does, being a vet of 20 yrs.

A Soldier at Heaven’s Gate

The soldier stood and faced God, which must always come to pass.

He hoped his boots 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 always been true?

The soldier squared his shoulders and said, “No Lord, I aint,
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 rough.
And sometimes I’ve been violent, because the world is awfully tough.

But I never took a penny, that wasn’t mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills just got to steep.

And I never cried 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’ve never expected or had too much, but if you don’t, I’ll understand.”

There was a silence all around the throne, where Saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly for the judgement from God.

Step forward now, you soldier, you have borne your burden well.
Walk peacefully, my son, on heavens streets. You have done your time in hell!”

Author Unknown


Pisses me off.. they're killing at least one a day from here at Ft Bragg in Iraq and they wont take me back so I can go play too!

 

I know the feeling. After having served in every conflict between 1968 and 1993 I feel terrible at not being out there, doing my thing.

Theo

 

great poem! thanks alot for posting it i enjoyed it alot

 

i couldnt join the Army; although everyday i look at my life and wish i could have, and its things like this that still find a soft spot in my heart

i have a few friends over-seas right now, i wish i were beside them. imagine all the sights i could have seen by now....

 

That was moving.

He didn't go in demanding a place, he didn't request a place, in fact he doesn't even think that he deserves a place.

True Grit.

 

A hero, bonafide

 

if only all people were so selfless and humble

 

Every year I post this poem in a lil park in NC, at a bridge that was built and dedicated to one of my best friends that was killed in Desert Storm. He and I crewed together in the 101st. He got out and went about his way. He came back in when he got layed off from work and we met back in up in Colo. We crewed together again doing search and rescue and aerial firefighting. I went to Alaska and he ended up in Iraq. They crashed and burned at night going back out to pick up another load of POW's. So every year I go out to the bridge on Memorial day. I Read the lil plaque and have 2 shots of Jim, one for me and one for him.

 

Copter
That is so cool, it brings tears.
Thanks for the memory

 

Thanks for sharing! I think it will probably "touch" anyone who reads it, but it means a lot more for those "Vets" who have "lived it". Thanks, again!

 

Great poem.

Sorry to hear abour your friend, or any soldier, for that matter (yes, even the "enemy" soldiers - they're sons, brothers, husbands, and friends to somebody else) who dies in the line of duty.

Too many young men being buried.

XXL

 

I know how you're feeling doc, I just got out after eight years and coming back from Iraq/Kuwait. I got out thinking that was all the action I'd be seeing for some time in the military. You see, I'm a field Marine. I'm not a big fan of the garrison life. Let me get out there and do my job and get dirty. I called and talked with my former Commanding Officer the other day and he said that the unit was probably going back to Iraq early next year to replace a major Army unit that has been there for a while now. Oh how I'd like to go back. I know that there'll be more garrison life if I do though, and I'll miss out on a lot of things that were the reason why I got out in the first place. Maybe it's for the best.

 

Thank you, I was to young for 'nam but I was in. I enjoy hearing from people who were in.