It is with deep sadness I read of Frank Woodruff Buckles' passing today.
Today is a sad day. We have seen the last of our WWI veterans pass. May his family know some small peace that those around the world mourn their loss. May Mr. Buckles be greeted at Heaven's gate by General John. J. Pershing himself.
I will update the page with any & all national memorials for Mr. Buckles. I pray the DOD gives him a lying in state. He has earned it, time & again for his services to his nation.
I would like to dedicate "A Soldier's Prayer" to the memory of Mr. Buckles & and his fellow brothers and sisters in arms who have put their lives in harm's way to make the world a better, safer place.
A Soldier's Prayer
The soldier stood and faced his God Which must always come to pass...
He hoped his shoes were shining Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier, How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and Said,"No, Lord, I guess I ain't...
Because those of us who carry guns Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays And at times my talk was rough,
And sometimes I've been violent, Because the streets are awfully tough.
But, I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills got just too steep,
And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here...
They never wanted me around Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much, But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod...
As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God,
"Step forward now you soldier,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
