TO OUR SOLDIERS
(We who are to be left behind, salute you)
WE may not pause to take your hand
When passing in a crowd,
We may not whisper words of cheer
Or speak our thoughts aloud.
When passing in a crowd,
We may not whisper words of cheer
Or speak our thoughts aloud.
For no salute is given us,
No formal martial sign
That signals to the heart of you
Along some unseen line.
No formal martial sign
That signals to the heart of you
Along some unseen line.
But think not that our silence means
A dearth of tender care;
We meet you face to face, O lads,
And pass you with a prayer—
A dearth of tender care;
We meet you face to face, O lads,
And pass you with a prayer—
A prayer that leaves our souls aglow
With pride that such things be—
That men like you will pledge their lives
For peace and liberty.
With pride that such things be—
That men like you will pledge their lives
For peace and liberty.
We greet you "heroes," every one,
For you there is no "fail";
You saw the torch that Freedom lit
And followed in its trail;
For you there is no "fail";
You saw the torch that Freedom lit
And followed in its trail;
If so you fight on land or sea
Or strive where eagles call,
We pass you, praying silently:
GOD BLESS YOU, ONE AND ALL!
Or strive where eagles call,
We pass you, praying silently:
GOD BLESS YOU, ONE AND ALL!
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