Present Arms

Present Arms!

I love the flag and for all it stands;

This is my last salute, my last command.

I recall with sadness, the joys and fears,

That I’ve experienced over twenty years.

I’ve led hundreds of soldiers in both peace and war;

I’ve heard the quiet and the cannons mighty roar.

I learned that in combat, close friends die.

I learned the hard way, it’s alright to cry.

Some thought at times that I didn’t care;

I’ve always been strict, I’ve always been fair.

My duties were many, the soldiers’ every need;

I had my guidelines, the NCO Creed.

They had to have faith in me and what I had to say;

For some of them will be the leaders another day.

It is now their turn to answer the call;

I will miss these soldiers, I’ll miss them all.

Order Arms!

Michael D. Monfrooe

September 1990