The Final Inspection – In tribute to our military heroes
Lynn | Oct 08, 2012 | Comments 2
The Final Inspection
The Soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
“Step forward now, Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?”
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
“No, Lord, I guess I ain’t.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can’t always be a saint.
I’ve had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn’t mine to keep…
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,
It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.”
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
.
“Step forward now, you Soldier,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in Hell.”
Author Unknown ~
. . . . .
This arrived in my email this morning. Please honor and love our veterans and support Wounded Warriors.
The military serves far more than any political or media elite. The good news is that God is not fooled and His judgement is indeed, our Final Inspection.
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Filed Under: Commentary and Opinion • Quotes and Ponderables












Great. I don’t pretend to be on the same level as the soldier in the poem, but I served four years in the Navy from 1968 through 1972. Our ship went to Vietnam twice. Though we were never fired upon, we spent over two of those four years at sea away from our families and friends. I missed the birth of both of my sons and a large part of their infant years. My blessed wife had to shoulder the burdens of our family in my absence. As I said above, I don’t pretend that my sacrifice was anywhere close to the sacrifice that others have made, but I can begin to understand a little of what they endured/endure.
God bless them all.
Dan
Thank you for your service, Dan. Once upon a time we knew who to honor and did so based upon reality and not popularity. Sadly, that is no longer the case. BUT – God has not changed. Truth has not changed. And, when each of us appear at our own final inspection, well – there is no advocate with any standing except Jesus Christ and praise God He knows who is His and who is not.
Blessings.