Today my heart was heavy,
As I watched you leave.
The moment I've been dreading
Is finally here... it's hard to believe.

As the bus was pulling out,
My eyes began to fill with tears.
Only a mother's heart feels this pain
After raising a son all those years.

I know your duty is to serve when needed,
And you have to go when Uncle Sam calls.
You'll be in my thoughts and prayers,
And your pictures are on my walls.

This is twice that I've watched you go,
Twice in wartime you've had to serve.
Your loyalty and patriotic duty
Could be more than we deserve.

Folks take things for granted,
Just living from day to day.
But when it comes time for war,
They realize who has to pay.

God Bless you, son...
For your willingness to serve.
For there are a lot of others
That don't have the nerve.

Thank you for loving your country
Enough to leave your home this way.
Freedom isn't always free...
There is always a price to pay.

Some people don't care,
Most people really do.
I for one appreciate it,
I wish you only knew.

My prayers are for our country
And all of the military it sends.
I'll fly the flag every day
Until you are back home again.

I pray for your safe return
And send you my love.
Keep your eyes upon God and
Ask for guidance from above.

Written by:
Shirley Evans
March 12, 2003
 
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Thank you to all of America's sons and daughters
who serve and defend this great country so selflessly.
 May the Good Lord bless and keep them all!