Hard lesson

There was dirt and dust; soil the color of rust
fire and smoke often filled the air.
There were boys dressed in green with the title Marine
in a land where nobody cared.

They were sorely battle worn while their Flag was being torn
in the good ole U.S. of A.
Those who survive to tell how they lived through that hell
count the Heroes who died today.

They were too young to die yet they had honor and pride;
their Spirits soar in the Heavens today.
Wandering jungles and hills, through swamps and through 'villes
in search of the hopeless dream.

They wanted peace to remain, and to die not in vain
so that someday others may say
that the sacrifices of youth who fought for Freedom and Truth
is a price much too precious to pay.

Richard D. Preston