A Soldier

"A Soldier" He gives his all. With honor, for his country, his flag, his God, his family. No questions. No reservations. He bears the cost with honor, and with his last breath, he pays. A soldiers creed, "honor".... runs deep within his heart and soul. As his journey leads him into harms way, he cares not for himself, but only for his duty, ....he carries on, with strength and courage, never looking back. He thinks of all the soldiers that served before him, and the ones who will follow after he is gone. A soldier....the young man not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. A soldier....the officer, his courage keeps him returning to fight battles, over and over. A soldier.... rich or poor, it doesn't matter here. They are all brothers, one together, bonded, the same. He doesn't do it for the glory, the money, the reward, or fame. There is none to mention. Few know he's here, and if he doesn't make it home, not many even know his name. He misses his family, and tries not to feel the heart ache. Some of his brothers have no one waiting. No one. He sees many of his brothers suffer, bleed and die, and he holds their hands and closes their eyes. He has to stay strong. He is a soldier. A tear will fall. He wonders if he will make it home untouched by the nightmare that has become his world. A soldier, willing to die for his country, and his flag, and to keep it forever free. Whatever it takes. Whatever the sacrifice. No limits. A long day, one of many, he doesn't count the days. He counts the brothers he has lost. The only comfort, the prayer of the chaplains voice from somewhere in the night. He stops for a moment to readjust his gear and rifle, and looks up into the night sky. Rapid gunfire, smoke, shouting and moaning are all around him, yet the sky is lit with the most beautiful stars. He sees the courage of the young women fighting beside him, their faces torn with anguish. He hears them crying in the night . They long for their children, their home, yet they sacrifice it all, for love of country. The nurses, the medics, soldiers as one, together…making the ultimate sacrifice, and they wonder, will anyone remember? Suddenly he knows, he sees, his mind wanders… He is going home.... the flag is draped over him. A VISION. Will that be his reality, as it had been for so many of his brothers, or will he live, only to return home so damaged never to be whole again? He pushes on, through the darkness, into the fight. He does whatever is asked of him, fearless, to the end. A soldier, a man of honor, and loyalty. To the end . No complaints. No conditions. He gives 100% and asks for nothing in return. A soldier never lets his country down. He will be there to serve and protect this country. Always. God, Please don't ever let this country forget that a soldier is, ALWAYS a HERO, NEVER to be forgotten, forsaken, or let down.