[Luvmypupster]

I've had many family members(grandfathers, uncles, cousins) serve our country past and present. I'm the proud mother of a son whom is active military & just spent 13 months in Iraq and a nephew whom just returned from Afghanistan, thankfully they both returned from "the sandbox" safely. The city in which I live has lost 3 young men in Iraq. PLease Honor those whom have given all by remembering and honor those whom continue to serve. I absolutely can not read the following poem with weeping. I'm sure many of you have read it before


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 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."

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the soldier waited quietly,
for the judgement of his God,

"Step forward now, you soldier
You've bourne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."