The Unnamed … The Soldier by e. Gene Myers

		Author Name: oldguy	2 Comments
		Date Added: October 22, 2009 08:10:54	Average Score: (Needs 2)
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Category: Patriotic

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The Unnamed … The Soldier

I did not want to die,
but I knew the possibilities, and it happened.
My dream was to live to an old age
and to die, smiling in my sleep.
But, I was an American soldier
and was proud to represent my country,
… proud to represent you
in the defense of freedom throughout the world.
I stood before oppression and
safeguarded your rights to speak out, even
against those of us wearing our country‘s uniform;
the uniform ... you provided.
I stood, and still stand in spirit,
between the vulnerable and defenseless
and those who choose to dominate by force.
I stood … to defend
everyone’s birthright to exist in a free world;
to defend your right to live in freedom.
For this … for you,
I was freely willing to die.
Do not mourn for my death.
This was my love, my gift for you.
It was ... my choice.

10/21/09

Author's Notes:

The soldier knows the risks and accepts them when signing enlistment papers. Yet, still, they sign. Why? It's not for the glory. There is no glory in war. They sign for one simple reason, to make an honorable difference in someone's life.

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Comments:

	Comment By: jess on October 22, 2009 11:47:12 AM	Report
	As a female soldier with the US Army, I did enlist to make a difference. Only being 17 and still in high school, I was the only soldier in my school. I went on to be deployed to Iraq in March 2003 and volunteered to redeploy until April 2008, when I was severely injured during an attack on my unit with RPGs and IEDs. This poem touched me deeply as I have known and witnessed many great men and women die for this country. After everything I've seen as a combat medic, I was still willing to re-enlist, unfortunately, that will never happen because of my injuries and the battles I face just to stay alive everyday. This is a great tribute to the many unnamed soldiers of the past present and future who will put their lives on the line to make a difference in the world. Great work! Respond To This Comment

	Comment By: noah count on October 22, 2009 08:44:25 AM	Report
	Unfortunately, it was not a choice for myself and many of the guys I served with in SE Asia; I never got to 'Nam. Though many espoused in one way or another what you have so poignantly expressed, some disagreed, and that I can assure you is a shitty way to die. Respond To This Comment