MEMORIAL DAY 2019
Just a Common Soldier (A Soldier Died Today)
by A. Lawrence Vaincourt
He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had 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 whereof he spoke.
But we’ll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away,
And the world’s a little poorer, for a soldier died today.
He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won’t note his passing, though 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 whole life stories, from the time that they were young,
But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A guy who breaks his 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?
A politician’s stipend and the style in which he lives
Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.
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 compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?
Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?
He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor while he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.
© 1987 A. Lawrence Vaincourt
THESE TROOPS TOOK THE TIME TO FIGHT FOR YOU AND ME. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO HONOR THEM.
Posted here courtesy of : Partnering With Eagles
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Not your usual Military Humor today….
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE.
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Farewell Salutes –
Vernon Bishop – Santa Rosa, FL; US Army, WWII, ETO, 1st Army Group
David Bond – Tampa, FL; USMC, Major (Ret.22 y.)
Tim Conway – Cleveland, OH; US Army / comedian
Eugene Galella – Memphis, TN; US Navy, WWII, ETO/ETO, pilot / USNR, Lt. Commander (Ret.)
Charles Holland – Aberdeen, NC; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, Co. C/187/11th Airborne Division
Don Jesperson – Idaho Falls, ID; US Army, Korea, Co. B/187th RCT
Kaylie Ludwig – IL; US Navy, Lt., Medical Corps, 6th Fleet, USS Arlington
Ralph Manley – Springfield, MO; US Army, WWII, ETO, 101st Airborne Division, demolitions
I.M. Pei – brn. Canton, CHI; Civilian, WWII, bomb fuse creator / architect
Herman Wouk – NYC, NY; US Navy, WWII, destroyer minesweeper / author
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Posted on May 27, 2019, in Current News, Home Front, Korean War, Uncategorized, Vietnam, WWII and tagged family history, History, Korean War, Memorial Day, Military, Military History, Tributes, veterans, Vietnam, WW2, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 195 Comments.
Our modern day soldiers are often like knights of yore. They protect and defend, and we owe them so very much. Thank you for this sweet poem, GP. ❤ xoxox
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Certainly, my pleasure. 🙂
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Glad I read the poem, though it made me teary. Thanks.
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I thank you for doing so, Bree.
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Those poetic words always bring a lump to my throat gp, it summarizes the heart of a Soldier, unfortunately those words do not resonate in the minds of Politicians or those who have not served.
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Actually I call them the Whining Generation.
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Great tribute GP, and the humour also poignant.
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Thank you very much.
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Pleasure
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absolutely well deserved, we have no idea what you guys went through, as well as a time for celebration its a time for thanks.. great post.
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I thank you for coming by.
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I love the contrastings and modeled tribute. This is a treasure! So sweet and inspiring this is GP.
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Thank you very much.
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i had no idea you have lost your son. my heart hurts with you. we remember.
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Thank you very much.
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Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful tribute to our country’s true heroes, GP…. Must share!
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Thank you very much, Bette!!
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Wonderful tribute. I am just curious if you have Hulu and watched the series Catch-22? It was brilliantly done and is basically a great metaphor for the senselessness of war and the insane bureaucracy of the military.
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No, no Hulu, but especially these politically-correct wars serve no purpose.
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Agreed…
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We both prefer to focus on the Pacific theater; however, this video from The Tactical Hermit is apropos. I like Sam Elliot.
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Elliot’s voice along with the words and videos – a very powerful one indeed!!
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Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner.
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Your sharing is much appreciated.
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Powerful
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Thank you.
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God bless you GP
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Such a profoundly beautiful tribute. Thanks for sharing it with us, GP. S
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Thank you very much for saying so, Stephen.
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Beautiful tribute to the fallen.
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Thank you, Tiny. Your comment means a lot to me.
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Lovely tribute to the fallen. *A salute to the brave and I bow with respect* 💕
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Thank you for those lovely words.
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💕
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I cannot tell you how much I love this post. You put tears in my eyes.
Home of the free
Because of the brave.
Never Forget.
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That comment just made my day – thank you!!
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So poignant, my friend
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Thank you, Derrick.
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Thank you for a wonderful post and thank you for your service, dear friend!
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This day means a lot to me.
(But I do not wish to mislead you. I did not serve. I told my dad I was going to enlist, but that was the one time in my life that he absolutely refused me. He probably saved my life, as it was the height of the Vietnam War. )
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I had not realized that, but you are doing a great job educating your readers and promoting respect and admiration for those who do / did serve.
Did your dad serve?
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My father is the Smitty I talk about, then also my uncle, cousin and son.
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Ah, then it’s the military dynasty, and you’ve got the right spirit.
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Thank you!
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My pleasure, dear friend
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🙂
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your son, what bigger heartbreak than to outlive your child…
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Thank you for understanding.
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Reblogged this on John Cowgill's Literature Site.
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I greatly appreciate your sharing, John.
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Glad to do it.
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Those words just as true today as they were in 1987, perhaps even more so. Thanks GP
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I send my thanks to every one who fought for freedom! Thank you for stopping by, Beari!
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The poem by Mr. Vaincourt said it all.
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To those who were not there, there are not enough words. To those who were there – no words are needed.
Thank you for coming by, Adam, and thank you for your service.
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Thank you, GP. We can always count on you to post a Memorial Day remembrance, honoring of our brave soldiers. 🇺🇸 Christine
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Thank you, Christine. Without them – where might I be?
You’re a good friend, thanks for following for so long!
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I need to be more attentive to all your blog posts. War history is so important to know and acknowledge our war heroes. I’ll do better after I finish the first draft of my book. Another 3 chapters to go. 📚🎶 Christine
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With your workload, I can’t expect you to do that, Christine. I’m honored the times you do stop by!
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Thank you, GP, for understanding. Writing a book is a full time job with overtime. I’m lucky to be retired, and I have everyday to write. Happy Weekend! 📚🎶 Christine
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Enjoy – don’t work too hard!!
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Thank you.
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