Honour Our Service People

The Mideast is churning, the whole place is brewing.
Our soldiers prepare for a new round of chewing.
So long from their families, they still proudly serve.
When hostilities come, they each find the nerve.

We ask much of them as we send them to war.
Don't make them wonder "What am I here for?"
We send them all to a far, far away land
Far, far away from the life that they'd planned.

To purposely harm others is not how they're made,
But to be strong in conditions that make all men afraid.
We train them, supply them, and send on their way.
With hope that they'll safely return home someday.

Both men and women put in danger's path,
When war time comes, they all know the math.
Some won't be returning, their lives will be lost,
To the families behind, it's a terrible cost.

Still, knowing how dreadful the future could be,
They all volunteered to keep our country free.
With people like this protecting our right,
We're far more secure sleeping at night.

I challange all those still here in the States
To listen and learn from all the debates.
Be not quick to send our forces to fight
But if we must then let's do it right.

Make sure they have the best equipment
From the strings of their boots, to the largest tent.
Their hemets, their rifles, their food, their planes.
Must be only the best to ease their strains.

Make sure that they know that we stand by their side
Watch over their families who at home abide.
Worrying about whether there's enough to eat,
When cold winds blow, is there plenty of heat?

Give support and comfort, if only brief laughter.
Missing a spouse can be a disaster.
If a family member says "I'm lonely today."
Don't say "Poor dear." then go on your way

A light-hearted moment, a night without kids.
A evening with friends watching the vids.
A simple gesture of love is all that I ask.
To ease someone's burden, what a wonderful task!

Those who serve in a war with great strife
Often need help getting back to a life.
When they get back and this war is through,
Do more than just say "We're proud of you!"

28 January 2003