I do not have the words...
Fellow Marines who share my sorrow will know the second line of the couplet used in the title and understand. Other's who feel the loss should know that this is the price every Marine, every Soldier, Sailor or Air Force Pilot is willing to pay. Grieve not too long, but honor their sacrifice and cherish their memories.
The debt shall be repayed tenfold.
Once. Forever.
Semper fidelis.
deuddersun
_____________________________________________
The Final Inspection
The Marine stood and faced his God
Which must always come to
pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as brightly as his
brass.
Step forward now, oh, Devil-Dog,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been
true?
The Jarhead squared his shoulders... 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 just got 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."
A silence fell all 'round the throne
Where Saints had
often trod,
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his
God.
Step forward now, My Fine Marine,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk your post on Heaven's streets,
You've served your time in Hell.
-- Author Unknown
