I was young when my country said,

'Uncle Sam Wants You!'

Being patriotic and proud,

There was only one thing to do.

I was told that my country needed me

and I never questioned 'Why?'

I just signed on the dotted line

and kissed my family goodbye.

I went into training and learned

how to kill the enemy.

Preparing for the time to go

to a country across the sea.

The day finally came when

it was time for me to leave.

To help another country fight for freedom,

was what I was led to believe.

So I went into battle and fought

to help set another country free.

Killing, bombing and rifle fire

was all around me.

Days turned into weeks,

and weeks seemed like years,

as I saw many young soldiers die

and wiped away my tears.

As I held one young soldier

and he said one last goodbye,

I wondered how many more

would have to fight and die.

I wondered who would tell

this young soldier's family,

that he died a hero giving his life,

taking a bullet for me.

When the battle ended

and I made it through somehow.

I remembered that young soldier,

and made a solemn vow.

I vowed to tell all who would listen

how one hero answered his Country's call.

So that maybe young soldiers never have to again,

become just names upon a wall.

Written by Debby Peare