Old Soldiers' Reunion

They landed on Normandy's beach and struggled all thro' France. To regain freedom for all peoples, they took a noble stance. Sixty years had passed, now this brave and worthy band of brothers, Gathered from far and near to regale and reminisce with others. The young lads quickly lost their youth in the dreadful strife, Experiencing things that would forever change their life. Some are paunchier now and wear a crown of silver hair. Alas, many shuffle about with cane, others in wheeled chair. Sadly, when the roll was called, fewer answered, "Here!" They recall those missing from formation and shed a rueful tear. The old First Sergeant who called the roll even shed some tears. My! How he has mellowed, they mused, thro' the intervening years! All was not doom and gloom as they dined and made their toasts, Recalling funny and painful memories from various Army posts. Their spouses beamed with pleasure to see their men unwind, In fellowship with comrades, putting bitter memories out of mind. The sang, "We'll Meet Again, Don't Know Where, Don't Know When," Held each others hands and with misty eyes sang, "Til We Meet Again." Time inexorably marches on and death doth takes its toll. Alas, how many will be absent at the next calling of the roll? Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)