AM I THAT FORGOTTEN SOLDIER?

Am I that Forgotten Soldier

There is a grave both far and near, where a forgotten soldier lies;
No flowers there are sprinkled, nor tears from mourner's eyes.

For there I stood not long ago, in remembrance of these brave;
When suddenly I heard a weeping voice, speaking softly from the grave.

"Did we win our freedom, that we fought so hard to achieve?
"Do we still respect that tiny flag, above that empty sleeve?"

"I died in youth without a chance, to see my children play;
Yet I prayed to God with all might, to help me through that day."

"My son," God said, oer the weeping winds, and gently swaying field;
"The price you paid, your life for theirs, this I cannot yield."

"But it's not fair!" he cried in vain, "I did not volunteer;
My name was picked by lot and chance, misfortune brought me here."

The price of freedom is paid by some, so others may live in peace;
You, my son, have paid that price, this graveyard is your lease."

"But my people have forgotten me Lord, of us their memories wain;
Beneath this cross of brilliant white, have I died in vain?"

"So long as one remembers you, and what you did for all;
so long as freedom stands and peace abides, your memory I will recall."

You are not alone on this hallowed ground, you are not alone;
Throughout the history of your land, brave acts and deeds were sown.

"To your left and to your right, in front, behind, and near;
The spirits of your fallen friends, lie sleeping - but all can hear."

"Tis not fair my Lord, for those who never bled;
To live in bliss and harmony, and a tear they never shed!"

"The loss you paid, your eager youth, your children never born;
Your hopes and dreams, and everything, your life they will not scorn."

"And my Lord, of those who live, whose memories often weep;
Will you give them peace of mind, in their final rest and sleep?"

"Just as you, they've earned that right, and their minds I put to rest;
Their tears I will dry, and their hearts I will, heal as I hold them to my chest."

As I listened to these gentle words, which filled my eyes with tears;
My sight beheld a shining flag, that's flown throughout the years.

Each star that shined was multiplied, at least ten thousand fold;
To embrace the lives of those who died - whose lives that God must hold.

And as the voice continued, a feeling of pride and honor spread;
For here is what the weeping spirit, of that forgotten soldier said.

"I am that forgotten soldier, and maybe I died in vain;
But if I were alive, and my country called, I'd do it all again."

"For I believe in America, for our rights must never fall;
So If I were alive, I'd do it again, if I hear my country call."

"I would stand up, and take my place, among the soldiers of the free;
I would die again for America - for the land of liberty."

Dedicated to all Veterans, living and dead.{/left}