The Old Guard Association

OLD GUARD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast;
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of his past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he done,
In his exploits with his buddies they were heroes every one.
And tho' sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke.
All his legion buddies listened. for they knew where of he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer, for old Bill had passed away;
And the world's a little poorer, for a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
while thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell their life stories, from the time that they were young.
But, the passing of a simple Soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land,
a person who breaks promises and cons his fellow man;
Or the ordinary fellow, who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?

It's so easy to forget them, for it was so long ago,
That the "old bills' of our Country went to battle, but we know,
It was not the politicians, with their compromises and ploys,
who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys.

He was just a common Soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But, his presence should remind us, we may need his likes again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the Soldier part
Is to clean up the troubles, that others often start.

If we cannot do him honor, while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least, lets give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps a simple notice, in a paper that might say,
"Our Country is in morning, cause a Soldier passed away"