By Paul M. Thomson
U.S. Army, 1962-1968
Tucked in closets behind and away.
Against cedar planks only moths obey,
Stand uniforms once held on frames
Straight and young.
This legion of now empty suits hold fast
The fading ribbons of campaigns past,
That honor indelible acts privileged only
To the wounded minds.
Oh to once again join ranks with comrades dear
(That Unum from the Pluribus of America)
And hear the sharp song of a cadence sung clear,
That guides the sway of a hundred
Ground-crunching boots.
My faithful ones, my sweet brothers gone gray
You did heed the call and not betray
The long tradition of those who stood
The test of patriots true.
It is to you, America and the world owe thanks,
(Steadfast witnesses to freedom’s frailty)
For now your sons and daughters fill the ranks,
Defending liberty with life and will one day
Retire their uniforms to cedar planks.
Paul Thomson lives in Independence.
