Service Buddy

I look down from heaven, and what do I see? A body on the battlefield that looks a lot like me! Body parts are missing:there's blood everywhere... The scene is so ghastly, that I can only stare. Now the memory returns...I freely gave my life, In a fight to preserve Democracy for my children and my wife. Walking with my service buddies when I spotted the grenade, And I quickly dove upon it! What a price I paid! Next I see my military funeral with people gathered all around. The mournfull sound of TAPS as they lay me in the ground! Then the crowd is all dispersing from the cemetary fast. Workmen cover me with dirt, and top it off with grass. At least all is quiet now; no sound of bursting shell! That man was right on target when he said"War is hell." Advances; patrols; and skirmishes make for quite a fuss. The object- kill the enemybefore he can kill us! So now it is Memorial Day-and I wait patiently, To see if anyone comes around to remember me. I see the flagsand flowers,placed on graves so near. Yet no one visits me. I'm alone again this year! Surely my family hasn't forgotten the sacrifice I made- Or has their desire for freedom slowly begun to fade? Well, I guess they've got ball games and picnics--and yet Someone's coming toward me in uniform! A vet! He stops and ponders thoughtfully, as he reads my stone; "Although I did not know you, you shouldn't be alone". With a quivering voice and a tear in his eye, He continues,"Thanks for being there". (I too want to cry!) "Its true I fought my own war, and no bullet took my life, But America's stilll great ,due to your sacrifice. And I am truly thankful for everything you did, Even though,when you lost your life, I was just a kid. But I've met your buddies;those whose lives you saved, So I brought a flag and flowers to lay upon your grave. No greater love has any man,than to die for his friend. And ifyou were a Christian, you entered Life at the end! Your family may have forsaken you, and forgotten where you lay, Yet as a brother Christian, I'll greet you in that Day. Until then,Know you're appreciated because you did your part. Thank you service buddy-from this grateful heart" As he rose to leave ,I thought with a smile, Those words of gratitude make it all worthwhile. Yes, I was a Christian, and now I'm with my Lord. See ya later service buddy! Continue steadfast in His Word! Charlie Pelota HSLP 5-29-2002