Welcome Home, Soldier

The brave young soldier had served his tour in the dreadful battle, Midst the deafening roar of cannon and the muskets' constant rattle! He'd spent months in the trenches in the cold, the mud and gore, And had seen his valiant brothers fall and learned the futility of war. He'd finished his tour of duty and was heading home to take his rest. Comrades escorted him to the plane saying, "Buddy, you did your very best!" Alas, he had fallen and was placed aboard a C-130 known as the "Angel Flight". In a casket he lay in the dimmed cargo space as they sped on through the night. He had fought heroically with members of his platoon at his side. He had taken the solemn oath to serve his country with unabashed pride. Sadly, he would not hear 'welcome home' by his kin with great elation, Nor be embraced with longing arms or hear the praise of a grateful nation. No! He heard angelic choirs and God's tender welcome to his eternal home, As he took his final bourne on high through that vast celestial dome. God said, "Welcome home, Soldier! May I present you with this crown! You have served Me and My people with honor and great renown!" Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired © All Rights Reserved