American Revolution Two

To the 23 million veterans in our nation today, we owe our utmost gratitude and our highest praise. They are America’s first heroes, for without their service in the cause of freedom, our land of liberty simply would not be. Our veterans of today carry on a proud legacy dating back to our nation’s birth. They were there, in places like Lexington and Concord, and Trenton, long before the silver screen, sports arena or concert stage “heroes” of today. Like George Washington, they are first in the hearts of their countrymen.

To each and every veteran, I salute you with these solemn words: You have my utmost admiration, respect and gratitude and you always will. I give thanks for you when talking with the Man upstairs – may He bless you abundantly. You chose the noblest service there is and for that I have not the words sufficient to express the depth of my thanks and appreciation. What shall we do then, in response to this incredible gift you have given?

Recognizing the power of words as one way to respond, I submit to you a moving tribute to our veterans across the land. It is a stirring poem written by Dan Zimmerle – the “Z-man” – of One Nation Under God Radio. This is an incredible work that does honor to all those who have served in the great contest of defending our nation and preserving our freedom…

THE SOLDIER

In my dream I heard the guns
Of a distant battlefield.
Faint bugles blew, far drum beats rolled,
From America’s bravest guild.
It was the roll call of the soldier
Called forth to freedom’s war.
Self, the willing sacrifice.
Courage, the cloak he wore.
He is the guardian of our Nation.
The lifeguard of our life.
He is the gladiator of our battles.
He is liberty’s truest light.
From battlefield to battlefield
He has drunk of courage’s cup.
On land, in air, on sea he’s bled.
He’s always looking up.
To duty, honor, and country,
Forever faithful he.
He carries our flag and never looks back.
He is why there’s liberty.
Through rain and wind and smoke and hell
Uncomplaining in his strife.
He’s the unseen face of the American dream,
To him we owe our life.
He is yesterday’s truest hero:
He is tomorrow’s reason why:
He is today’s guardian angel:
He’s the defender of our rights.
He comes from farms and ghettos,
From poverty and from wealth.
He is white, black, red and yellow,
He is a hero storming hell.
He is resolute and determined.
His attack, it’s swift and sure.
His purpose, it’s always homeland.
His courage it’s always pure.

Let the politicians fight and squabble.
Let the rich man claim his fame.
But in my dream a soldier fell
And I didn’t even know his name.
I made my way beside him
As his life poured from his wound.
He smiled at me, said “It’s OK
This is what we do.
I knew the cost of freedom
When I made my choice to serve.
But the cost pales when placed beside
The country that I love.”
He said, “Don’t weep for me my brother.”
As he was dying the noblest death,
And with country on his lips,
He drew his final breath.
Then a million ghosts in olive drab,
In khaki, blue, and gray;
They came down from heavens portals
To take him home that day.
As they were flying skyward
I could barely hear them sing,
America the Beautiful.
Let her freedom ring.

Now, let the power of imagery, music and the spoken word,
bring these words to life in this moving video: