Soldier On

My Dad wrote this poem and read it to the crowd at the Memorial Day service at the State Capitol yesterday. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam and they often used the phrase "Soldier On".

SOLDIER ON (by Rod Pullis 5/29/06)

We gather here on Memorial Day, the year two thousand six.

To struggle and lament, the many things we cannot fix.

But hopeful for the future and grateful for the dawn.

The challenge now for all of us…remember to “soldier on”.

Those who have gone before us and those who were left behind;

Are always in our thoughts, our prayers, our hearts and our minds.

The brave men and women we honor because they are gone;

Are calling from eternal rest…”Remember to soldier on.”

“But how”, you ask, “Can I make a difference here today?”

I’ll offer a few suggestions now to carry on your way.

Visit with our veterans; thank a soldier that you meet.

Salute “the Colors” carried proudly, at the game or in the street.

Give back to your fellow man, in kindness and in deed.

Show compassion to those less fortunate and obvious in need.

Teach a child about the past, so his future won’t be blurred.

Remind him that our freedom is never quite assured.

Support our troops around the world; who might be with us today.

But heard a calling strong enough, to put them in harms way.

Help to choose our leaders; make sure you always vote.

Don’t take your friends for granted and those you love the most.

Now reflect upon Memorial Day, and before the sun is gone.

The challenge here for all of us…remember to “soldier on”.