The Forgotten Soldier

There is a graveyard both far and near where a forgotten soldier lies; No flowers there are sprinkled nor tears from mourner's eyes.

For there I stood not long ago in remembrance of these brave; When suddenly I heard a weeping voice speaking softly from the grave.

"Did we win our freedom that we fought so hard to achieve? "Do we still respect that tiny flag above that empty sleeve?"

"I died in youth without a chance to see my children play; Yet I prayed to God with all might to help me through that day."

"My son," God said, oer the weeping winds and gently swaying field; "The price you paid your life for theirs, this I cannot yield."

"But it's not fair!" he cried in vain, "I did not volunteer; My name was picked by lot and chance, misfortune brought me here."

"Freedom is a costly thing to be cherished, to be wanted, to be won; The price of freedom is paid by some so others may live in peace; You, my son, have paid that price, this graveyard is your lease."

"But my people have forgotten me Lord, of us their memories wain; Beneath this cross of brilliant white, I feel I have died in vain."

"So long as one remembers you and what you did for all; so long as freedom stands and peace abides your memory I will recall."

"Upon the field of duty a terrible price is always paid; You are not alone on this hallowed ground my son - you are not alone;
Throughout the history of your land, brave acts and deeds were sown.

"To your left and to your right, in front, behind and near; The spirits of your fallen friends, lie sleeping - but all can hear."

"But my Lord is it not fair, for those who never bled; To live in bliss and harmony and a tear they never shed?"

"The loss you paid your eager youth your children never born; Your hopes and dreams and everything, through you their price was born."

"And my Lord, of those who live whose memories often weep; Will you give them peace of mind in their final rest and sleep?"

"Just as you, they've earned that right and their minds I will put to rest; Their tears I will dry and their hearts I will heal as I hold them to my chest."

As I listened to these gentle words which filled my eyes with tears; My sight beheld a shining flag that's flown throughout the years.

Each star that shined was multiplied at least ten thousand fold; To embrace the lives of those who died - whose lives that God now holds.

And as the voice continued, a feeling of pride and honor spread; For here is what the weeping spirit of that forgotten soldier said.

"I am that forgotten soldier and maybe I died in vain; But if I were alive, and my country called, I'd do it all again."

"For I believe in America, for the rights of all free men; So If I were alive, for freedom, I'd do it all again."

"Yes! I would stand up, and take my place, among the soldiers of the free; I would die again for America - for the land of liberty."

Dedicated to all Veterans of ALL COUNTRIES who died for what they cherished.