From the deepest of my soul I thank you,
all of you, bravest of the brave.
You leave behind your country,
family and friends.
You go to foreign lands and fight
to free the helpless victims
from injustice and pain;
to rid the world of evil,
and bring them hope and peace.
You put your life in peril
and yet, you move ahead
not knowing if tomorrow
you lie dead in the sand.
You legendary valor
is known throughout the world
and so are your tears of sorrow
at losing of your own.
May God protect you always
and bring you safe back home.

Ana Oleson