Let Us Not Forget - Freedom Is Not Free - An Anonymous Tribute To Our Fallen Troops.

The High Price of Freedom and Liberty

As September 2009 draws to a close it is fitting to remember that 204 British soldiers have died in Afghanistan.  Allied troops have also perished on the fields of battle, their life's blood the price of preserving freedom and liberty.

The email above was sent to me, and by all means feel free to pass it on, and while doing so spare a moment to reflect upon those men and women who gave their lives, for us, and their family members whom they have left behind.

The poem and thoughts below, were in the body of the e.mail, and we publish them with pride.

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  Military, not the reporter who has given us the  freedom of the Press.. It's the Military, not  the poet, who has given us the freedom  of
Speech.

It's the Military, not the  politicians that ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

It's the  Military 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  pass this on and 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.