THE FINAL INSPECTION

This was sent to me in honor of our fighting men and women.
I would like to preface this with a few comments.

1. I am now and have always been a pacifist.
2. I understand the reality and nature of the current world and
 the consequences of not having a military.
3. I truly do honor the sacrifices and service that our military
 men and women make.
4. I also am fully aware that the men and women on the front lines
 are mere puppets in the hands of the politicians.
5. So my thoughts and prayers are with those military personnel who
 have been seperated from their loved ones by unthinking,
 selfcentered and arrogant men and women who call themselves
 leaders of the "free world"

Our military are simply doing the job that has been laid out for
them and are honoring the committment that they made. I honor them
for that. I also honor those who have made the decision not to
participate in this travesty that is called "The War On Terror".
May it end soon and may we not need our militaryin the future.
............PEACE..............Scott


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

It's the Soldier who salutes the flag,
who serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag.