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This is a
collection of quotes to support our
troops! I am a
very
patriotic person...
however I respect others political views, so I will not
include any political bashing (Bush, Clinton, Kerry) quotes.
Only quotes that are positive! Also, this is the only area I
will include Poems! Enjoy!!!
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The
Final Inspection
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A
Soldiers Christmas |
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The
Mother of a Soldier |
Its always been the Soldier |
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The
Soldier
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I've Got
Your Back |
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Daddy's Day at School
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It's Who You Are |
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The
Kid has Gone To Colors
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The Patriot |
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The Life of a
Soldier
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The Unknown Soldier |
"The Final Inspection"
Unknown
The Soldier stood
and faced God
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as bright as his brass.
"Step forward you Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The Solider 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 on 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 to 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 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 burden well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
-Top-
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A Soldier's
Christmas
Unknown
Twas the night before Christmas, and he lived all alone,
in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come in the chimney with presents to give,
to see who in this house did live.
I looked all about...a strange site I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the mantle, just boots filled with sand.
On the the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
with medals and badges, awards of all kinds.
A sober thought came through my mind,
for this house was different, it was dark and dreary.
I found the home of a Soldier, once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent... alone... curled up on the floor.
The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder.
Not how I pictured a United States Soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The Soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
my life is my God, my country, my corps.
The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still...
and we both shivered from the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the Soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure.
whispered, "carry on Santa, it's Christmas Day... all is secure."
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS my Friend,
And To All a Good Night."
-Top-
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The Mother of a Soldier
By:
Folger McKinsey
The mother of a soldier -- hats off to her, I say!
The mother of a soldier who has gone to face the fray;
She gave him to her country with a blessing on his head --
She found his name this morning in the long list of the dead:
"Killed -- Sergeant Thomas Watkins, while leading on the rest,
A Bible in his pocket and a portrait on his breast!"
The mother of a soldier -- she gave him to
her land;
She saw him on the transport as he waved his sun-browned hand;
She kissed him through the teardrops and she told him to be
brave;
Her prayers went night and morning with her boy upon the wave.
The
mother of a soldier -- her comfort and her joy,
She gave her dearest treasure when she gave her only boy;
She saw the banners waving, she heard the people cheer;
She clasped her hands and bravely looked away to hide a tear.
The
mother of a soldier -- ah! cheer the hero deed,
And cheer the brave who battle 'neath the banner of their
creed;
But don't forget the mothers, through all the lonely years
That fight the bravest battles on the sunless field of tears.
Nay, don't forget the mothers -- the mothers of our men,
Who see them go and never know that they'll come back again;
That give them to their country, to battle and to die,
Because the bugles call them and the starry banners fly.
The
mother of a soldier -- hats off to her, I say!
Whose
head is bowed in sorrow
with its tender locks of gray.
She gave without regretting, though her old heart sorely bled
When she found his name this morning in the long list of the
dead:
"Killed -- Sergeant Thomas Watkins, while leading on the rest,
His dear old mother's portrait clasped upon his hero breast!"
-Top-
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Its always been the Soldier
By: Father Dennis
O'Brien
It
is the soldier,
not the President who gives us democracy.
It is the soldier,
not the Congress who takes care of us.
It is the soldier,
not the Reporter who has given us Freedom of Press.
It is the soldier,
not the Poet who has given us Freedom of Speech.
It is the soldier,
not the campus Organizer who has given us the
Freedom to Demonstrate.
It is the soldier,
who salutes the flag;
who serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
that allows the protester to burn the flag.
-Top-
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The Soldier
By: Brenda Jean
Baker
How does a soldier feel fighting a war?
Does he always know what he is fighting for?
Maybe he knows but doesn't understand,
why he is alone in a faraway land.
Like so many others he is there for a cause,
And like the rest he doesn't pause.
He has a job that he does well,
even as his best friend beside him fell.
How does he feel when he hears the news,
of violent protests from the ignorant few?
His shame is great, the pain goes deep
he feels compassion for the dead at his feet.
Rioters can boast and carry signs,
about the war that has shook our time.
But when the call comes for them to go,
they burn their draft cards and make a show.
How can a soldier be proud of his land,
when this type of people make a stand?
How can we show him we are glad he is there,
fighting for freedom and the ones who care?
War is unfair in any way of life,
and all involved must pay the price.
But the soldier is proud to keep us free,
stop and think..........
Shouldn't you be?
-Top-
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I've Got Your Back
By:
Autumn Parker
I
am a small and precious child,
my dad's been sent to fight.
The only place I'll see his face,
is in my dreams at night.
He will be gone too many days
for my young mind to keep track.
I may be sad, but I am proud.
My daddy's got your back.
I am a caring mother.
My son has gone to war.
My mind is filled with worries
that I have never known before.
Everyday I try to keep
my thoughts from turning black.
I may be scared, but I am proud.
My son has got your back.
I am a strong and loving wife,
with a husband soon to go.
There are times I'm terrified
in a way most never know.
I bite my lip, and force a smile
as I watch my husband pack.
My heart may break,
but I am proud.
My husband has got your back.
I am a soldier, serving
proudly, standing tall.
I fight for freedom, yours and mine
by answering this call.
I do my job while knowing,
the thanks it sometimes lacks.
Say a prayer that I'll come home
and remember who's got your back.
-Top-
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Daddy's Day at
School
Her hair was up in a
ponytail
Her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
And she couldn't wait to go.
But her mommy tried to tell her,
That she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
If she went to school alone.
But she was not afraid;
She knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
Of why he wasn't there today.
But still her mother worried,
For her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
She tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school,
Eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
A dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back,
For everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently,
Anxious in their seats.
One by one the teacher called,
A student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
As seconds slowly passed.
At last the teacher called her name,
Every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
For a man who wasn't there.
"Where's her daddy at?"
She heard a boy call out.
"She probably doesn't have one,"
Another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back,
She heard a daddy say,
"Looks like another deadbeat dad,
Too busy to waste his day."
The words did not offend her,
As she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
Who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back,
Slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
Came words incredibly unique.
"My Daddy couldn't be here,
Because he lives so far away.
But I know he wish's he could be,
Since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
And how much he loves me so.
He loved to tell me stories
He taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
And taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes,
And ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him,
I'm not standing here alone.
Cause my daddy's
always with me,
Even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
He'll forever be in my heart"
With that, her little hand reached up,
And lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
Beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere in the crowd of dads,
Her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
Who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love
Of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
Doing what was right.
And when she dropped her hand back down,
Staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
But its message clear and loud.
"I love my daddy very much,
He's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
But heaven's just too far.
You see he was a Soldier
And died just this past month
When Iraqis hit his convoy
And hurt us all so much.
But sometimes when I close my eyes,
It's like he never went away.
And then she closed her eyes,
And saw him there that day.
And to her mother's amazement,
She witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
All starting to close their eyes.
Who knows what they saw before them,
Who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
They saw him at her side.
"I know you're with me Daddy,"
To the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
Of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it,
For each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
Was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.
And a child was
blessed, if only for a moment,
By the love of her shining bright star.
And given the gift of believing,
That heaven is never too far
-Top-
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It's Who You Are
By: Linda Ellis
He returned to civilian life
as a decorated Army vet,
but the memories of those years gone by he never will forget.
The names and faces of the
comrades that still linger in his mind
accompany thoughts of distant places that he cannot leave
behind.
I asked him when he was
fighting, if he ever questioned “why?”
and without the slightest hesitation, he gave me this reply:
”Not for gratitude or accolades or to boast a battle scar....
it's what you do, it's why you're trained it's why you
breathe...it's who you are.”
Though he bears visible
scars, never a tear has he cried,
for the most painful wounds inflicted he has buried deep
inside.
unaffected by the war and
today his actions are a reflection
of events that happened years before.
Those official army
documents, medals and commendations…
those that list the dates and details of military operations
are not framed upon his
office wall in a boastful display,
but tucked inside a bottom drawer and humbly filed away.
But the wording from those
papers that he finally chose to confide
filled me with admiration and a renewed sense of pride …
“…valiant…heroic endeavor…”
”This officer, though
wounded, fought more vigorously than ever
To look at him, you’d never
know the things that he’s endured;
the life or death decisions made and the men he reassured.
The life that he has lived and the lessons he has learned
have built a strong foundation for the respect that he has
earned.
Though retired from duty, in
his heart, his country he still serves…
and the respect that he commands today is the respect that he
deserves
And for the sacrifices made
that no one can dispute,
Colonel, consider these heartfelt words …a written hand
salute!
-Top-
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The Kid
Has Gone To Colors
Unknown
The
kid has gone to the Colors
And we don't know what to say;
The kid we have loved and cuddled
Stepped out for the flag to-day.
We thought him a child, a baby
With never a care at all,
But his country called him man-size
And the kid heard the call.
He paused to watch the recruiting,
Where, fired by fife and drum,
He bowed his head to Old Glory
And thought that it whispered: "Come!"
The kid, not being a slacker,
Stood forth with patriot-joy
To add his name to the roster,
And God, we're proud of the boy!
The kid has gone to the Colors
It seems but a little while
Since he drilled a school-boy army
In a truly martial style.
But now he's a man, a Sailor,
And we lend him a listening ear,
For his heart is a heart all loyal,
Unscourged by the curse of fear.
His dad, when he told him, shuddered,
His mother-God bless her!-cried;
Yet, blest with a mother-nature,
She wept with a mother-pride.
But he whose old shoulders straightened
Was Grandad-for memory ran
To years when he, too, a youngster,
Was changed by the Flag to a man!
-Top-
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The Patriot
By:
Sergeant Aaron M.
Gilbert
The
patriot the soldier,
The young and the old,
Protect our great country.
They stand to be bold.
Some protest in spite,
Some riot in rage,
Some scream "Peace and not war!"
From the safety of their cage.
But we who stand up
For freedom to reign,
Give all that we have,
And expect nothing to gain.
But the freedom we win,
We give without fail.
No crying or bitching,
For WE have prevailed.
We are the soldiers,
Who give up our lives,
Leave all that we know,
To pay the ultimate price.
Freedom is not free,
It come with it's toll,
And some never return,
And leave their stories untold.
I acknowledge the protest,
The riots, the rage,
And the ones given their freedom
Without having to pay.
But let it be known,
Come rain, sleet or hail,
The Marines are on call,
To fight and die for your betrayal.
-Top-
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The Life of a Soldier
By: Kelli
I
joined the army and I don't know why,
surely some day I must die,
fighting for the peace and here is my final good-bye,
I am strong but at times I feel I must cry.
I have no reason to live,
but for others' lives I know I must give,
for everything I've done I hope you can forgive,
all the pain inside me I know I must relive.
people think war is like hell,
but they haven't been in it so I guess they'll never tell,
people all around me dying,
I know for some reason life is worth trying.
I know my family loves me, I love them too,
sometimes I miss them so much I don't know what to do,
I don't what I got myself into,
so to all my family and everything you've done for me,
from the bottom of my heart, thank you!
America will never know the reason why we're fighting,
but please know I left my little girl so others could be free,
I know you disagree but I promise I'm not doing this just for me,
I'm doing it for my country, my country tis' of thee,
sweet land of liberty, of thee I see. we must stay free
-Top-
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The Unknown Soldier
By: charis
Somewhere there's a man,
Alone out in the night,
Thinking of his children,
Longing to hold his wife.
Tho he is oh so many,
Thousand miles away,
He holds them in his heart,
As he makes it through another day.
He stands strong with his boots laced up,
His gun right by his side,
Knowing tomorrow he may never see,
This Soldier stands with pride.
He knows someday his time will come,
To this land say goodbye,
And he may return to an empty home,
How it brings tears to his eyes.
Yet if given another chance,
He'd return again each day,
Just so one child could live,
To walk, to run, to play.
For this soldier looks at his child,
Who runs about so free,
And knows someone must sacrifice,
For the red, white and blue you see.
-Top-
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