This is a day of deep reflection, honour and respect for all of us across this beautiful land of ours.
It’s a day to give thanks for the soldiers who fought for us and our rights long before we were born.
It’s a day to send our love and blessings to all those who so proudly serve our countries, both Canada and the United States, standing up for our freedom and our beliefs.
It’s a day to send thanks and support not only to our soldiers but to their families and loved ones who proudly wait at home for them to return from their tour of duty.
It’s a day to show them how much we care, how much we honour and respect their sons and daughters, fathers, mothers, aunts and uncles who serve their country so that we can live in freedom, our children can live in freedom and our children of the future can live in freedom.
The following came across my desk today and I ask that you read it, think about it, reflect on it and honour the men and women who serve to keep us safe. It came to me with “Taps” playing and I will tell you that it brought me to tears. And so I share it with you.
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come 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.”
~Author Unknown~
It’s the Soldier, not the reporter WHO has given us the freedom of the press.
It’s the Soldier, not the poet, WHO has given us the freedom of speech.
It’s the Soldier WHO ensures our right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness,
Not the politicians.
It’s the Soldier who salutes the flag, WHO serves beneath the flag, AND whose coffin is draped by the flag.
If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the Military,
PLEASE pray for our men and women
WHO have served and are currently serving our country
AND pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
God bless our soldiers, sailors and airmen, past and present.
With my love, honour, respect and gratitude,
Mary Wozny
