To All the Veterans

They all went out, in service of their country. Some came home again. 

They came home, and went back to work quietly, but we remember what they were willing to do on our behalf. 

We remember, and are grateful for the men and women who marched until their feet bled, for our safety and comfort. For those who laid down their lives, that we may live. Greater love has no man... 

I've gone back to Kipling, a man who understood the soldier in a way few others ever have, and begging the poet's shade pardon, have omitted the last line. 

"For All We Have And Are"

1914

For all we have and are,
For all our children's fate,
Stand up and take the war.
The Hun is at the gate!
Our world has passed away,
In wantonness o'erthrown.
There is nothing left to-day
But steel and fire and stone!
        Though all we knew depart,
        The old Commandments stand: --
        "In courage keep your heart,
        In strength lift up your hand."

Once more we hear the word That sickened earth of old: -- "No law except the Sword Unsheathed and uncontrolled." Once more it knits mankind, Once more the nations go To meet and break and bind A crazed and driven foe.

Comfort, content, delight, The ages' slow-bought gain, They shrivelled in a night. Only ourselves remain To face the naked days In silent fortitude, Through perils and dismays Renewed and re-renewed. Though all we made depart, The old Commandments stand: -- "In patience keep your heart, In strength lift up your hand."

No easy hope or lies Shall bring us to our goal, But iron sacrifice Of body, will, and soul. There is but one task for all -- One life for each to give. What stands if Freedom fall?