Thank You to our Veterans

Every year Laton & I would have a huge party on the Saturday closest to Veteran's Day. We had lots of good food, we had a gift exchange and we had a flag retirement ceremony in the back yard complete with music consisting of taps and the national anthem. It always brought tears when I would observe the pride and respect for our country in my friends.  I would like to thank all my friends and family, especially our veterans.

 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, 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 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~