[arbys]

Ol Joe was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
He sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
Of his exploits with his buddies,
They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew whereof he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Joe has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?


Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,

Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his likes again.

For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:

"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY."

[ELKHORNAOG7]

NO truer words could have be spoken, then those -----BOB

[66bonne]

Touching and true.
Thanks

Jim

[jetallman]

I used to hear a lot of stories on my visits to the VA medical center, slowly over the years the old fellas that I sat and listened to for hours while waiting for my appointments started to disappear. I don't remember their names but they could tell things that would keep you wanting to hear more, I still see a few but it's not like it was 20+ years ago

[hurryinhoosier62]

There's a VERY large lump in my throat right way. Thank you for posting this.

[Txbobcat]

Thanks for posting this.

[stags]

Thanks.

"A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country." Not sure who said that but your poem reminded me of it. Sad.

[71SportRagtop]

SO true...

When I lived in my old house in a different neighborhood, I belonged to the local VFW. On occasion I would meet my neighbor there on a Friday night to have a few cold ones. I always found the stories told by the old timers to be absolutely fascinating.

I moved into my current home about 4 years ago and between work, house, car, kids, ect, I haven't joined or even found a local VFW but after reading this poem I think I'm going to dig out my DD-214 and join the local VFW.

Thanks for posting.

[4dblnkldude]

Pretty good, pretty good.

[ta6point6]

So true that is why a soldier should never be sent in harms away until all other avenues are exhausted. The price a soldier pays for freedom is high and some soldiers live with that burden everyday like my uncle. I also love to hear stories from vets as it is amazing what they had done.

[Bob Dillon]

What if the politician was a soldier (or sailor) before he became a politician?

How does that work?

[stags]

Originally Posted by Bob Dillon

What if the politician was a soldier (or sailor) before he became a politician?

How does that work?

Seems to me the words are directed at anyone who would put others in harms way without proper discretion. JMHO.

[455firebird1969]

Originally Posted by Bob Dillon

What if the politician was a soldier (or sailor) before he became a politician?

How does that work?

I would expect that particular politician to demonstrate characteristics and discretion, that were learned while serving in the military. It seems career politicians, lack the fundamental core values introduced during Military service. Without experiencing the hardships and sacrifice common to military service, or ever placing the mission before one's own self interest, deficiency of character will prevail.

[arbys]

Originally Posted by 455firebird1969

I would expect that particular politician to demonstrate characteristics and discretion, that were learned while serving in the military. It seems career politicians, lack the fundamental core values introduced during Military service. Without experiencing the hardships and sacrifice common to military service, or ever placing the mission before one's own self interest, deficiency of character will prevail.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Murtha

Turned out to be a big crook!

[455firebird1969]

Originally Posted by arbys

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Murtha

Turned out to be a big crook!

I would suggest his political career was too long, compared to the short stint with the Corps. As you have demonstrated, there are always exceptions, however; I'd prefer a career soldier over a career politician, in a leadership situation, when character and experience is important.

[arbys]

455firebird1969, no doubt. A good reason for term limits.

[lilabner]

Semper Fi

[arbys]

Maybe "always faithful" to himself. As a former Marine I feel tarnished by Murtha.

[mechanickeith]

Arbys,,,, any idea who penn'd this?? Author??

[mechanickeith]

Found it!!!

http://www.fnnc.org/mem.html