Soldier's Boots
Since the birth of this nation, we've heard the tramp of boots,
As men marched to the cadence of drums and dulcet flutes.
Soldiers have worn them to slog through sand, surf and mud.
Alas, too many boots have been stained with consecrated blood.
Boots have borne the battle from The Revolution to Civil strife.
Though torn and scuffed they've preserved our way of life.
Men's boots have trod the soil of alien lands about this world,
To rid peoples of bondage and to keep freedom's flag unfurled!
Weary warriors marched across Africa's searing desert sands.
Well-worn boots stamped out tyranny from those ravaged lands.
Sloshing through the surf of Iwo Jima and Normandy's rugged coast,
Bearing gallant and courageous men, those old boots can boast!
Boots that withstood the intricacies of close-order drill,
Steadied heroes in the bitter struggle for Pork Chop Hill!
Battered and dusty, they saw duty in many distant wars,
And they returned honorable heroes to America's shores!
A good Sergeant in charge of a company, platoon or squad,
Will insist that all of his troopers are properly shod.
Though many weary miles are hiked by disgruntled recruits,
They soon discover that their best friend is a pair of sturdy boots!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)
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