Freedom

Rusty

Rusty

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FREEDOM


Dusty old helmet, rusty old gun,
They sit in the corner and wait.
Two souvenirs of the Second World War
That have withstood the time and the hate.

Mute witness to a time of much trouble.
Where kill or be killed was the law -
Were these implements used with high honor?
What was the glary they saw?

Many times I've wanted to ask them,
and now that we're here all alone,
Relics all three of a long ago war -
Where has freedom gone?

Freedom flies in your heart like an eagle.
Let it soar with the winds high above
Among the spirits of soldiers now sleeping
Guard it with care and with love.

I salute my old friends in the corner,
I agree with all they have said -
And if the moment of truth comes tomorrow,
I'll be free, or By God, I'll be dead.

Audie Murphy - winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor, and poet.
 
That's a really nice Poem, thanks for sharring it.
 
It got posted it for several reasons.

Let's just say that I'm reminded that it remains as true today as it was 20 or 30 years ago because there are still people like Audie Murphy around.
Yes, they are still out there. Some of you are on the forum. People who listened to Dad or Gramps and took over carrying the torch from them. They do it well or poorly, but the torch stays lit and it gets handed down.

One guy I've known for twenty years. Lives about 4 houses from me. He went to Vietnam. Six weeks ago he got told he had six months, maybe. They cut him open and stitched him back up - cancer. Agent Orange? His youngest daughter, whom he raised alone from diapers, graduated from high school this June.

He's one of many. How many? Enough.

And he deserves some appreciation.
 
Thanks Rusty,
It has been many years since I got out of the Marine Corps. It is good to hear words like that, written by another who has been in that situation, and been forever changed by it. I am glad that there are those that still remember. Let's hope there always will be. Those memories, though painful remind us of where we have been. Maybe we can avoid going there again.
 
Exceptional morals and direction that should be common place. Thanks Rusty and to all.
 
Rusty, My hat is off to you, your friends my dad and all others who gave some or all!!!! Thank you for giving us FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!
 
Thank you, Rusty. I am so happy that the WWII Memorial was approved. It made me angry to know end that you had a group of.. well nevermind, that were concerned about how it would effect a mall.
We must honor our WWII vets while we still have some around to honor!
 
For the record I was 4-F, from childhood ear infections and have worn hearing aids since kindergarten. I didn't have to face the dilemma others my age did, to serve or flee to Canada. I don't know what I'd have done if I did. Thank God.

My time in hell came from seeing what people do to their children - ten years spent doing over 500 child abuse/neglect investigations. When that left me close to suicide, I got to meet the guys who came back from Vietnam a mess. They and others helped me along a mutual climb back into the light.

So I guess I'm saying I owe them and their like ( the good guys who give care and compassion to the "other" wounded ) not only my freedom, but my life. Thanks. And to those I've subsequently helped in their turn, it's been a privilege and an absolute joy.

" Ubi Caritas Et Amor, Deus Ibi Est "
( Where there is charity and love, there is God )
 
Rusty,

Your post made me think quite a bit also. My family also has its share of veterans. My great grandfather fought in World War II as part of the Sikh Regiments that went when India was under British Rule. He fought in Germany and France and was at one time a prisoner of war in France. When he returned, he was awarded the Order of British India for valor in the battlefield. He came back only to find war back home when India and Pakistan became seperate nations and both he and my grandfather fought in the first Indo-Pakistan war. We have a lot to thank these veterans for because had it not been for them, then we would not be living in a nation where freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination are considered more than simple words. I truly hope also that enough people realize that even today those same horrors can be repeated very easily and will be repeated unless people keep their right to bear arms. I would have joined the same tradition in my family except that asthma and bad eyesight was what prevented me from passing the physicals for the military here. I dont feel bad however because right now I work for the State Government here in the Department of Commerce and keeping their computers up and running in turn helps the government in being able to keep data on businesses and also gives them the ability to finance other peoples dreams for future business and other opportunities.

Arvind
 
Thank You, Arvind.

It really is all about how you treat others and let others treat you. Simple as that.
 
Yep, thanks, Arvind and good to see you around. And, Rusty, correct observations as usual as far as I can tell.
 
Anything worth doing is simple.

Anything simple is difficult.
 
Well Rusty Old Friend you have made my day again.
Old memories to think about. We are losing Our
Freedoms everyday in this Political Arena that we
All live in. Makes a tear come to Ones eye to Think
of All the Vet's here and gone who fought for the
very Things that are being taken away by the Pencils,
Makes ones Blood Boil ?? Thanks Rusty I needed This.
 
I read Murphy's book To Hell and Back a few months ago. One of the finest books about war through the eyes of an infantry man I have read. Not having served in the military or been in combat myself, I can't say how true it is, but I read a lot of "I was there" accounts from soldiers of all wars. This is one of the best. I leave it to the Combat Vets to say more, but the writing is good.
 
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