We will always remember just a common Soldier
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 he fought in and the deeds that he had done
In his exploits with his buddies: they were heroes, every one.
And though sometimes to his neighbours, 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 quiet 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 this day.
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Papers give their whole life stories from the times that they were young.
But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.
As 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 their 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 is just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his life again,
For when Countries are in conflict, then we find the soldiers part
Is to clean up all the troubles that politicians start.
If we cannot do him honour while he's here to hear the praise
Then at least let's give 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.
Larry Vaincourt (2002)