[naturalman1975]

From an ally to our allies on your Memorial Day.

Stay with me, God. The night is dark
The night is cold. My little spark
Of courage dies. The night is long
Be with me, God, and make me strong
I love a game. I love a fight
I hate the dark. I love the light
I love my child. I love my wife
I am no coward. I love life

Life with its change of mood and shade
I want to live. I'm not afraid
But me and mine are hard to part
Oh, unknown God, lift up my heart

You stilled the waters at Dunkirk
And saved Your Servants. All Your work
Is wonderful, dear God. You strode
Before us down that dreadful road

We were alone and hope had fled
We loved our country and our dead
And could not shame them so we stayed
The course and were not much afraid

Dear God that nightmare road! And then
That sea! We got there - we were men
My eyes were blind, my feet were torn
My soul sang like a bird at dawn!

I know that death is but a door
I know what we are fighting for
Peace for the kids. Our brothers freed
A kinder world. A cleaner breed

I'm but the son my mother bore
A simple man and nothing more
But God of strength and gentleness
Be pleased to make me nothing less

Help me O God, when Death is near
To mock the haggard face of fear
That when I fall - if fall I must -
My soul may triumph in the dust.

God bless you all, and God bless your fallen in this war and in those of the past.

The prayer above which dates from the Second World War is one my father carried with him during his war service and I hope that when he fell, I hope it was of help to him.

During my own service, I carried it as well, and I know it helped me.

As an Australian, I feel a special debt to the brave men and women of the US armed forces who helped protect my nation from invasion during World War II, and I also can read a map well enough to know what lies at the bottom of the domino of South East Asia.

Know that there are people around the world who do remember with you.

[MEG33]

Before You Go...A Tribute to Our Veterans

[MEG33]

Wonderful post, ally.

[La Enchiladita]

I am so glad you posted A Soldier's Prayer, as it came to mind when I saw this tribute thread and I well remember you posted it last year on Veteran's Day.

I have carried it with me everywhere since.

I will always remember all of our U.S. troops for their dedication, their bravery, and for the ultimate sacrifice that so many have made.

U.S. Armed Forces: our best, past, present and future.

[redrock]

Before I die....I'm going to fulfill a promise made to a friend ....and surf Australia.

Have to do it soon tho...I'm a gettin' old.

redrock