Earn It

“Thank you for serving” said a lady that morning
As I watched the flag at half mast
I just smiled, said “You’re welcome”, and left it at that
But my mind drifted back to the past

Back to the day when we stood young and straight
And I knew we’d be marching to war
We’d be faithful defending our country and homes
As the group of us solemnly swore

Youthful strength in our hearts then, we’d all live forever
We’d be gallant and answer the call
The horizon’s dark clouds gave us no cause for fear
We’d be home soon, beloved by all

We knew little of life then, we small band of brothers
We had no thoughts of marching through Hell
Adventure and glory awaited us all
But alas, far to many men fell

So we did what we had to, in the best way we could
And our numbers were thinned more and more
And the lucky came home and the unlucky didn’t
And we wept at their passing and swore

We swore we’d remember them all of our lives
For the price that they all had to pay
They payed for our freedom with all that they had
Bless them all on Memorial Day

So don’t thank me for serving, though I know you will
On this one day we honor our dead
Just old and gray soldiers now, with watery eyes
As the old memories drift through our heads

Our brothers in arms who will stay always young
We remember their laughter and smiles
And their sacrifice kept our great country free
Through so many years, so many miles

This one day that was set aside so long ago
One day that has stood through the years
A day set aside not for laughter and games
Bor remembrance, reflection and tears

© 2009
Robert De Groff