RLI
Member
For a Serviceman died today.
He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast, and he sat around the bar, telling stories of the past. Of a war that he once fought in and the deeds that he had done, in his exploits with his mates; they were heroes, every one.
And 'tho sometimes to his neighbour’s his tales became a joke, all his mates listened quietly for they knew of where he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, for ol' Bob has passed away, and the world's a little poorer For a Serviceman died today.
He won't be mourned by many, just his children and his wife.. For he lived an ordinary, very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, going quietly on his way; and the world won't note his passing, ‘Tho a Serviceman died today.
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, while thousands note their passing, and proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life stories from the time that they were young but the passing of a Serviceman Goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land, some jerk-off who breaks his promise and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow who in times of war and strife, goes off to serve his country and offers up his life?
The politician's stipend the style in which he lives his life, are often disproportionate, to the service that he gives. While the ordinary Serviceman, who offered up his all, is paid off with a meagher medal or perhaps a pension, usually very small.
It's so easy to forget them, for it is so many times that our Bobs and Jims and Johnny’s, went to battle, but we know, it is not the politicians with their compromise and ploys, who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand, would you really want some cop-out, with his ever waffling stand? Or would you want a Serviceman his home, his country, his kin, just a common Serviceman, Who would fight for you until the very end.
He was just a common Serviceman, and his ranks are growing thin, but his presence should remind us we may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, we find the Serviceman's part is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians always start.
If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise, then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.. Perhaps just a simple headline IN the paper that might say: "OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A SERVICEMAN DIED TODAY."
God bless to all our Australian Soldiers!
LEST WE FORGET!
Regards,
Paul (RLI)
