"THE CHILDREN FROM THE WALL" Most of the Kids were Babys, When their Dads went off to war. It wasn't an unknown situation- It has happened here before. Their Dads didn't ask many questions, Didn't choose the enemy or the fight. But they knew that God would want them. To do the thing thats right. So many of the Fathers, that marched off to Vietnam. Would not come home- to their dear Kids, their Parents or their Moms. And even the worst scenario, and pain was still to bear. The kids asked where is my Dad, The Government knew not were. And so these precious Children, decided to learn about Vietnam. They questioned all the Viet Vets, Historians and their Moms. The Children found the answers, The Country should have learned long ago. When the Country says to fight you fight- and let your prejudices go. They found out just how really brave, Their Daddy's had to be. To stand and fight for freedom, In a time of agony. The Country split wide open, We should-We shouldn't-We won't They found in History where their Daddy's fell- and Quietly picked up his Ruck. And with their Daddy's heavy pack, Shouldered center and in balance too- They move on through History- for the Country, and me and you. So when I think of courage- and I respect that most of all, I think of my closest and dearest friends, "The Children from the Wall." badger
"A HISTORY LESSON" Dad, why did we fight in VietNam? My Son, David asked of me; There are but a few pages in my book of History. Was it to gain some ground? Protect our wealth? Or practise with our Troops? "Seems like an awful price to pay, We should have used "Stealth" Dad, why when I mention this, Do you always look so "Astray" And you tell me that you once had Friends; But they all have gone away? Son, the reason we went to VietNam; Was for some of the things you say; But it remains a hot and divided topic; To this very day. Son, we went to fight the Communists; and stop atrocities; We felt freedom was a basic thing; That every person needs. We fought for our grand 'ole Flag, Flying so majestically in the Wind; That Flag that protects us all, WE PROVED WE WOULD NOT BEND. And who knows about the Berlin Wall; and why it finally fell. I think History will bear me out, it was because we fought so well. I think we proved in VietNam; a message that will always stay. We will stand and fight for Freedom; ANY PLACE AND ON ANY DAY. And as for my Friends Son; that you ask me about, If they were here they'd say. "Dave, be proud and be thankful that; you live in the U.S.A" So that's it Son, You wanted to know; why we fought in such a 'Rue; Guess the main reason most of us went; was so YOU, wouldn't have to.
danny crafton
"Orders are Orders." It's been thirty years, Since the deed was done; On a hill, In a place, farway. But the courage of those, Who fought and died Are still talked about to this day. The Army called them Air Assault, They belonged to the 101st; Just what that meant, Would soon be known, From the Pentagon to the Orient. BlackJack said; Assault up the face; But the Platoon Leaders Weren't so sure; "It's just too damn steep, for the Troopers to keep, Their feet and shoot as it were" "We think you ought To bomb the damned thing, Till it's dust and nothings alive." "To send us up there- with the Enemy and Pigs, Don't seem to us any too Wise." But the orders were given, And Air Assault driven; To obey each and every one. And to this day, No Sky Troopers say; That Hamburger Hill was fun. For ten long days, And even more assaults, Airborne cussed and they died, and they bleed. And on the twelfth Assault- They stood on the top- And they wondered What was the need? But as they grew older, And their visions grew bolder, And they saw History unfold; It may have been wiser- to bomb the damn misers, But they did what the hell they were told. This is the tale, About Hamburger Hill- some are still around and some ain't. And they took the damned thing- and won Honor and fame, but they just want their buddies back. This is a Poem, 'Bout Hamburger Hill Air Assault, and I think I should know. If there is ever another, for History to recover- Best call Infantry's 911. They'll fight and they'll cuss, They'll bleed and they'll die. They'll watch History unfold. It's not what they'd like; But they have lots of Might. They come from a hard ole mold. Now I'm not as wise; as those Lawyer guys- but just between me and you. They'd do it again- though their chances were slim- because Orders are Orders, you know.
-badger
THE GUARDIANS
GOD LOOKED AROUND HIS BARRACKS; AND SAW SOME EMPTY SPACES; HE LOOKED DOWN ON 'OLE HAMBURGER HILL; AND SAW AIRBORNES TIRED FACES. HE PUT HIS ARMS AROUND THEM; AND TOOK THEM IN HIS CARE; GOD SMILED AND SAID, "THIS PLATOON HAS DONE ENOUGH" YOU SEE HE WANTED THEM "UP THERE" I CRIED AND CRIED, WHEN I HEARD THEY HAD GONE; BUT THEY DID NOT GO ALONE; FOR MOST OF ME WENT WITH THEM, THE DAY 1ST PLATOON WENT HOME. SO BEWARE AMERICAN ENEMYS; YOU ARE DOOMED WHEREEVER YOU GO; WE GOT AIRBORNE GUARDING HEAVENS GATES, THE 1ST OF BRAVO-
badger
APACHE SNOW
If I could get in a Space Ship; And travel back in time; I'd go to 'Knox in '68 To see some friends of mine. 1st of Alpha, A-10-5; A marching to and fro; A sing'n "Sip'n Cider through a Straw:" Their favorite, Don't you Know? And as I join formation: Old feelings come back then; I finally recognize my mood; I feel safe with them again; Good 'ole Sergeant Jennings; who was NEVER known to bend; Get's in my face, and screams aloud; "Badger","Where the hell have you been?" Sarge, I've come from 1998, with a message you should know, Don't get the 1st in a big 'ole scrap They call, "Apache Snow." The Sergeant looks me over, And says with a friendly grin, Badger, we do not pick our enemy's, We just fight and win. You cannot win this fight Sarge, There's something you do not know, Don't get the 1st; into the fight, They call "Apache Snow" My Sergeants eyes are thoughtful, As he gently rubs his chin, He said I think you're wrong there Sky Troop, the 101st WILL WIN. You see we're just a small part, Son, Of a much larger plan, If we don't go, then who will? In this great and wondrous Land? You won't come back, Dear Sergeant, I've come back to let you know, Don't take the 1st to the fight; They call "Apache Snow" You have your orders, Badger, My Sergeant said to me, You are to be our Rearguard, Our link with History. Attention!, Right Face!, Forward March!, Now, Double Time And wouldn't you know? The Sarge and the 1st; STILL go to the fight; They call "Apache Snow
badger
Eulogy for a VeteranDo not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the Gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the mornings hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.
author unknown