The World According to Carl

I was just a boy back then, I lied about my age.
To get into the Army, and fight for the USA

I love this country very much, it’s still the very best.
And I would fight to keep it free, and safe from foreign pest.

We won that war, and I came home, my wounds had healed enough,
To reenlist with other men. The Army made us tough.

Then a little flare up, in Korea called us out.
A threat against our freedom, spreading fear without a doubt.

There I caught a bullet, when I tried to save a friend.
Another wound for Uncle Sam, they sent me home to mend.

“Soldier have you had enough?” my Sergeant said to me.
“Or do you want another tour, if ever there’s to be?”

We would train and fight again, if ever it need be,
Because we love America, we’ll fight to keep it free.

It didn’t take too long, before my boys were off again.
We were shipped off to a war, we thought would never end.

I didn’t understand it much, if it was wrong or right.
But, I was a US Marine, and my country said, “Go fight.”

I never questioned orders, that were sent from up above.
I did it for America, the country, that I love.

I fought to keep my country safe, again, in Viet Nam.
Then, wounded I came home again, a victim of napalm.

My fighting days were over now, and, I had given all.
But, some had given more than me, their names are on a wall.

I am now well up in years, a Marine old and worn.
I could only sit and pray, as I watched Desert Storm.

So proud of our boys over there, who stood for what is right.
Freedom is the battle cry, the reason why they fight.

Young soldiers fight for liberty, protecting freedom’s bliss.
Old Marines dream of by-gone-days, while fighting loneliness.

We were heroes in our day, he said, and then he sighed.
Forgotten in some VA home, and all my friends have died.

I never ask for anything, just wanted to live free.
But, if you read this story, there are many just like me.

Who fought to keep our country, safe and free from every foe.
Only to come home again, and have no place to go.

Sadly, when the limelight fails, heroes fade away.
Some men fight the silent battles, ’till their dying day.

Please remember what it took, and what we had to pay.
And join with us remembering, on this Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is special, it is not just summer’s start.
The reason that we have this day, should be etched on your heart.

Lives were lost, and young men died, to keep this country free.
So, take a moment on that day, to meditate with me.

I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
And then he stood at ease..

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He’d stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers’ tears?

How many pilots’ planes shot down?
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers’ graves?
No, freedom isn’t free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant “Amen,”
When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

As we stand here looking
At the flags upon these graves
Know these flags represent
A few of the true American brave

They fought for their Country
As man has through all of time
Except that these soldiers lying here
Fought for your country and mine

As we all are gathered here
To pay them our respect
Let’s pass this word to others
It’s what they would expect

I’m sure that they would do it
If it were me or you
To show we did not die in vein
But for the red, white and blue.

Let’s pass on to our children
And to those who never knew
What these soldiers died for
It’s the least we can do

Let’s not forget their families
Great pain they had to bear
Losing a son, father or husband
They need to know we still care

No matter which war was fought
On the day that they died
I stand here looking at these flags
Filled with American pride.

So as the bugler plays out Taps
With its sweet and eerie sound
Pray for these soldiers lying here
In this sacred, hallowed ground.

I never thought that this is where I’d settle down
I thought I’d die an old man back in my hometown
They gave me this plot of land
Me and some other men for a job well done
There’s a big white house
Sits on a hill just up the road
The man inside he cried the day they brought me home
They folded up a flag and told my Mom and Dad
We’re proud of your son

And I’m proud to be on this peaceful piece of property
I’m on sacred ground and I’m in the best of company
I’m thankful for those thankful for the things I’ve done
I can rest in peace, I’m one of the chosen ones
I made it to Arlington

I remember Daddy brought me here when I was eight
We searched all day to find out where my Granddad lay
And when we finally found that cross
He said, son, this is what it cost to keep us free
Now here I am a thousand stones away from him
He recognized me on the first day I came in
And it gave me a chill when he clicked his heels and saluted me

And I’m proud to be on this peaceful piece of property
I’m on sacred ground and I’m in the best of company
I’m thankful for those thankful for things I’ve done
I can rest in piece, I’m one of the chosen ones
I made it to Arlington

And everytime I hear twenty-one guns
I know they brought another hero home to us

Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh — Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Arlington where our unknown soldier lies
The place to honor those who gave their lives
Those that died that generations be free
May we remember them through eternity

This Unknown Soldier guarded day and night
By the choice of a few and with all their might
To show mankind their respect and dignity
To those who defended our lives and liberty

Twenty one steps, he takes twenty one steps
Eyes locked in honor for the soldier he guards
And twenty one seconds before he turns
To honor the soldiers who never returned

Twenty one steps until the end of time
For our lost soldiers we cannot find
They gave their lives for you and me
The price paid to preserve our dignity