hAWQEYE this is a very good account to those who have to lost for whatever cause we are figthting for...thanks for sharing.

Thank you again Windy.It irks me that society worships the paper heroes on TV who are vastly overpaid and ignores the true heroes who only ask for fair compensation but don't get it.God bless

So true a soldiers cross is the heaviest to bear as some of them do not even care for the fight their in but do their duty.

Thanks Red.Canada is only involved in Afgahanastan (officially).But I have never heard of any soldiers who did not believe in that war.One of our congregation did 2 or three tours there and his current tour is security for Libya.Our military is all volunteers.He never expressed anything against the war,TO MY KNOWLEDGE.Thanks again ladies.God bless.

Hawqeye... a wonderful tribute to soldiers deserving of more praise than they often get...

Unfortunately, as of one recent misguided soldier of my own Country, things get a bit complicated and war takes on an even uglier effect as rage and anger take over one's ability to reason and rationalize in ways that a sober minded soldier should always do to prevent the unnecessary mayhem that sometimes effects innocent people within the realms of the battlefield.

NOTE: The only questionable 'idea' within this fantastic poem, is that a soldier might 'earn' his place in Heaven through his willingness to be sacrificed for the those he loves and serves as a soldier... though a commendable thought, Biblically, it defies the truth of salvation as being attainable ONLY through the sacrifice of ONE man.... the Man Christ Jesus.
I know that YOU know that Bill, but for the sake of clarification to your readers, I thought to add this note in comment form, and I'm certain that you'll confirm my comment as being true.

You're a incredibly talented writer Bill!!!!!

gnj4u,Thanks.I like your point of view.
Hi John,Like one of the famous American generals of WWII said,"There are no atheists in fox holes.I do indeed agree with your point.I am not a 'biblical' Christian,meaning that my knowledge is weak due to an even weaker memory and education.The angle I was coming from was that "no greater love has a man than to lay down his life for another".The bible is replete with examples of God supporting one army over another.I believe that the conclusion of killing in war is not murder in the sens of the ten commandments.I may be wrong and will check with my scholarly pastor friend whom I rely on in such matters.Thanks for pointing it out.If I was a betting man,I would lay heavy odds on you being right.I believe your compliment is 'a bit generous,but ,hey, thanks.God bless

John,
Regarding your soldier that slaughtered those people,detest the act but wait to hear the facts.My guess is he snapped under the pressure and that is a guess because I seldom listen to the news or watch TV.

Bill he did it seems snap that soldier under the pressure, but apart from that how many soldiers all over this world have snapped and are still snapping because of what they have to do in wars that are debatable for the greater good. Vetrans from all wars are marked, some can hide under the pretence of normal lives and some lives are wrecked. Just look under the covers.
So yes your poem A soldiers cross depicts this but it is not what you meant sadly. Are you a church goer?

Yup and yup.You are absolutely right.But if we,the nice guys lay down our arms and say 'we are not going to fight you',do you think the crazies,the fanatical,etc,etc are going to play ball.No chance in hell.North Korea is a good example.They want what we have without earning or building it themselves.They are Takers.Not fair minded and never will be.That is why we have to fight.There will always be bullies.Decent men (or decent countries) have to protect the little guy.
I started going to church two years ago.I am not self-deluding but rather skeptical,which is how I approach it.I sing in a men's interdenominational choir and our church choir;something I would never have anticipated 3 yr ago(Not in my wildest dreams,lol)
FYI:One of our church members and another soldier (who was killed) held off a German Tiger (?) tank until help arrived.That's all I know.He doesn't talk about the war,my info is secondhand.Thanks Red,I appreciate your point of view and would love to share it,but I can't.God bless.