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After the New Year’s resolutions have been made and unfortunately quickly broken, my principal focus for the New Year is on the successful completion of the mission in the Middle East and the safe return of our young and valiant military men and women. They continue to fight the good fight for the ideals of an America we hold dear — Democracy and Freedom. Despite what the political extremists (the five percenters) are chanting about the war and supported by the liberal press — with their negative printings about winning or any progress in the Middle East — the troops who are actually there in combat have a very different view and attitude on progress as they push for victory. Millions of Americans agree. I am proud to be an American, but prouder still of those heroic young troops who have always stood up to protect us in times of peril. They are always in our hearts and minds and should be honored and taken care of if the needs are there. They are involved in a fierce war, the likes of which we have never seen before, and their lives are in constant jeopardy. We pray that they come home safely to their loved ones, but if they have to give the ultimate sacrifice to their country and God calls them to his own home, this is what they might say before God’s throne: “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 of 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 too steep And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear And sometimes God forgive me, I 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 will understand” There was a silence all around the throne, Where the saints have often trod. As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God, “Step forward now you soldier, You’ve born your burdens well, Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets, You’ve done your time in Hell” The author of this piece remains unknown, but the words still speak loud and clear about the “Soldier.” God Bless all of the military both here and abroad. Protect their families and may they all be united back home with peace and happiness in the New Year. God Bless America and Happy New Year to all our readers. Jim is Vice-Commander of American Legion Post #219. He served as a combat infantryman in WWII, fighting in France and Germany with the 70th Infantry Division. Jim Cassidy was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in World War II. You can email him with questions or comments at: Cassperryst@aol.com *Send your questions
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It’s a New Year — a new
beginning to what remains for us in God’s big book
of life. We hope and pray that we can use it in some
useful and charitable way to benefit our friends and
neighbors.