Also, several of us, after the bus returns soldiers who were out to eat (it’s free for them and is a long story we can share when we are face to face), we go out to the Silver Diner for a late night breakfast.

The soldier stood and faced his God, Which always comes to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining, Just as brightly as his brass.

“Step forward now, you soldier, How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ? To My Church have you been true?”

The soldier 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 most 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 too 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 a 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 burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets, You’ve done your time in Hell.”

But this quote from an essay by Frank Schaeffer, another proud father of a US Marine, conveys my sentiment about all who serve, especially my son.

“I feel hope because my son is part of a future “greatest generation.” I also feel pride. As the clouds of war gather, at least I can look the men and women who defend us in the eye. My son is one of them. He is the best I have to offer. He is my heart.”

[Frank Schaeffer, “A LINE TO MY HEART, ” 12/10/2002, http://www.pbs.org/newshour/essays/july-dec02/schaeffer_12-10.html

My son, Frank Schaeffer’s son, and the sons and daughters of America who go in harm’s way — they are our hearts, especially the wounded ones. God bless them all.

Read the entire essay.

Can I just show up or do I need to register somewhere?

Thanks to all of you who have children serving. I can’t even imagine what that must be like.

You can read all about it on their website, or here: where all of the “after-action reports” are maintained..

http://www.geocities.com/buford_p/FR/WRFreeps.html

Believe me, after reading those reports, what these people do is brave work and I am very grateful for it.

Absolutely fan-freaking-tastic!

Wish I was much closer, and my work didn’t keep me busy, I really want to show up.

JamesLee on September 18, 2007 at 1:32 PM

Mega Dittos

If you spot one of our troops in uniform; waiting for a bus, walking down the street, shopping at the mall – greet them with a huge smile, a firm handshake and a sincere thank you, offer to buy them lunch or just a cup of coffee.

Show your gratitude, all across this land.

My son is over there, and every time I stop and talk to one of these brave young soldiers, I feel like I’m speaking with my son, if only for a brief moment in time. They are our nation’s finest.

Duty. Honor. Country.

Is this a great country or what??!!!!

hotvol on September 18, 2007 at 11:21 AM

The greatest there ever was, and ever will be, unabashedly and unapologetically! With all its stars and warts!

And our Soldiers kept and keep it that way!!! They are our betters.

And God bless our patriots.

I wish I lived closer so I could participate. Thanks for representing us.

GoodBoy on September 18, 2007 at 12:07 PM

Me too. :-)

Got a lump in my throat too, seeing all the flags, and hearing all the horns.

Wish I was much closer, and my work didn’t keep me busy, I really want to show up.

Thank you U.S. SOLDIERS.