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Heart of America : The American Soldier

I have looked deep within for just what to say

it's wrong from right your heart has to weigh
you have to believe the cause just and right
find reason in your heart for cause to fight.

I was in Viet-Nam, I know the value of support
something you do not find in politics or a report
something, I believe, in our support you must see
to feel we know you're in a fight that has to be.

Your Enemy:

In training camps of hates violent seed
under cover of religious faith they breed
raising secular violence and latent disdain
for murder and terror their children train.

From sparing pits of foreign wastelands
like rabid dogs in evil deviant bands
they brought to America their lethal grief
religious allusions of their toxic belief

With secret plans forged in candle light evil they came
killing innocent people without feeling guilt or shame
citing religious grounds for terror and destruction
they practice murder, mayhem, hate and human abduction.

On September 11, year 2001
with premeditated horror aloft in our morning sun
Americans had started their days like every day
unaware of the price freedom was about to pay.

A merciless crime of terrors wicked insanity
not only inflicted on us but on all humanity
this was not the beginning nor was it the end
it's clearly from evil depths that they ascend.

No religion practices violence, murder and hate.
Straps bombs to children, uses terror to alter fate
kills innocent people, teaches youth secular disdain
compromise's human decency, morals or being humane.

America's reason:

I may not agree with my country in all we do
but I would not be me without the red white and blue
In America religion is sacred, we believe in love,
justice, human rights, mercy and God up above.

We stand for freedom, truth and right from wrong
we covet our children, help the feeble to be strong
protect the weak, teach respect, values and passion
striving for peace, we're humanitarians, we feel compassion.

We are fighting against wicked men and their evil way
their violence and hate continues to this very day.
Look at what their vicious brutality has already done
and no one can forget what happened on 911.

 To our troops:

Your in the fight of good against evil day and night
You have to know in your heart what your doing is right
I know you will never get anything but respect from me
I love you and thank you, so does the land of the free

Someday the world will know the heart of the American soldier
they will see and know all you have done
but hard as they may try,

They will never love you as much as we do !!!


Author notes

God Bless our troops

In a list

A contest entry

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Comments

1 - 76 of 76

  • Camille R Castillo
    August 11

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    Incredibly Moving. Much like yourself, I do not always agree with our government, or even our judicial system, But I have always had the utmost respect for our soldiers. It is through them, that we live peacefully under this blanket of freedom. Your love of country and love for the men and women who risk their lives to protect it is inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing this beautifully written expression of love and support for our heroes, and thank you so much for your service to this wonderful nation we call home.


  • peregrin
    September 9, 2008

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    A very good write, such emotion and power to you!
    I personally thank you for writing such a strong piece dedicated to our troops.
    Thank you!
    Good luck!

  • cokacolacowpok
    September 8, 2008

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    You have shown alot of emotion in this admirable write my friend. I had also served in Viet Nam. Great response to judmc. People that did serve in Viet Nam get little respect have seen our troops being spit on for our part in the war. We did what was expected of us and I humbly thank all Americans who love and respect us even though not to many people thought that we should have been in Viet Nam. Mai Lai was a terrible event but the troops did understand people did what they were ordered to do. I salute you my friend feeling proud to know there are many Viet Nam Vets out there that served in a time where we lost lives, got sick from the dieases in Viet Nam, got sprayed with Agent Orange and than come home tonot even a Thank you Well done. To those people who have not ever served their country or different people from other countries show a respect to this writer and any other Vet. Well Done Sir!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Brian


  • Grunts Girl gold member
    August 23, 2008

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    this made me cry.
    plain and simple
    extremely touching

    so much support to your son. My husband is on his 2nd tour now and wont be home until March. His last tour he was shot in the shoulder and I pray that he stays in one piece this time. My husband is with 1/3 charlie company out of MCBH. What group is your son with? Maybe Paul is nearby?

    Thank you for your service as well. I am truely greatful. I am also so very sorry for all the hurt you have expirienced... I met Brigadier General Jerome T. Hagen the other day who wrote a series of books on the War in the Pacific... sitting and talking with him makes me realize that I cannot even imagine what it is like to struggle. I had the chance to speak with Sterling Cale who is an OOOOLd guy who is a Pearl Harbor survivor... He also served in Vietnam and talking to him are moments I will cherish the rest of my life. Even though as a cop I was shot at, in fights for my life and stabbed once... It is NO comparison to what this man, you and others who fought for our freedom have gone through...
    I think of history and I am so embarrased to think that we didn't support our Vietnam vets... I am glad that history has NOT repeated itself and that these men who come home damaged and tattered have love and support of strangers and loved ones more so than in previous history.
    and i am rambling... i apologize

  • rooftop-writer
    August 17, 2008

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    Excellent

    I couldn't agree more. About how while I don't always agree with our country, The troops still deserve our respect and support. Excellent, thoughtfull write.

  • judmc
    July 30, 2008
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    Humbug

    what has 911 to do with the attack by a super power
    on a poor backward country.The Mai lai massacre was typical of the way America conducted this politically
    motivated mayhem its aftermath is still felt today
    wide areas of land made permenantly barren by the
    use of deadly poisonous "defolients"
    children born with cleft pallets and other mutations
    due to the use of illegal radioactive weapons
    "Like rabid dogs in evil deviant bands" this is typical racist clap trap like the American use of the
    word "Gooks to describe the Vietnamese who were defending their country.See "The Liberators"
    the other side of this self-aggrandizement. George


    • Roaddog Wolf
      July 31, 2008
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      For a man that has had some worldly experience

      I think you need to open your eyes. I don't begin to suggest that Mai Lai was anything to be proud of, or Viet Nam for that matter, but as far as Viet Nam went you are blind to the human factor, allot of good men died in those stinking jungle regardless of the politics involved and had they not gone, myself included they would have been in prison. personally I think Vietnam was the biggest mistake this country ever made. The south Vietnamese only regret is that we left and there are just as many Americans, missing arms and legs as the war inflicted misery on everyone, but how you can compare what happened in Viet Nam to what is going on today is beyond me.

      Perhaps you should take a history lesson or a lesson in culture and find out about the Muslim history and beliefs. I suppose the Iranian take over of the American embassy in the late 70's and the dragging of the would be rescuers dead bodies through the streets of Tehran, and spitting on their corpse was American aggression. Al Qaeda and the Taliban are groups of peace seeking, love thy neighbors friendly sorts. Iraq's genocidal governments gassing of Northern Iraq and the shooting of people in the back of the head at such a rate the bulldozers could not keep up with burying them fast enough was ok with with you. Not to mention dropping people into a chipper/shredder for entertainment and raping women. And lets not forget the mass murder of bombings in Iraq and all over the world that is going on in the name of Allah. Oh and let's not mention the fact that Iraq and Iran were affiliated with the axis powers in world war II and the death of 70,000,000 people. And on top of all that I suppose you would expect the American people to apologize to the Muslim world for killing 3,000 innocent people on 911 in the name of Allah?? Maybe you should try jumping out of a building from a hundred story building and forgive Asama Bin Ladin as your falling to your death..

      To ridicule people at war for cultural nomenclature is as empty a reason for what is right and wrong as anyone could come up with, what do you expect a soldier to do call the enemy "dear"???

      And of course the fact that the Muslims teach their children at a very early age to hate Americans and killing an American is worth dying for themselves. I suppose you think if we ignore the situation it is going to go away by itself, if you do your delusional beyond belief. Just what do you think is the solution?? It is easy to bitch may not be as easy finding the answers.

      Last but not least, and don't give me that facist crap that blind patriots have been behind every sick government in history. How you can compare the American people to the Nazi's in Germany is beyond me. I don't for a minute claim to agree with everything this government does but I am an American and I take pride in being an American and if things aren't right in government then the people of this country are responsible because in America it is the people who have the last say.

      You like every American has a right to voice your opinion and I don't find fault in you doing that. I would only request that open your mind to reality for I would love to hear your thoughts on how to resolve the crisis confronting the world today instead of your slander on the American Soldier and his country. If , and that is a mighty big if, we are as wrong as you suggest, it is not the soldiers fighting for this country who are to blame and it is not the American people and therefore not this country, which only leave politics for an area of primary concern, and there will always be a difference of opinion when it comes to politics.

      • judmc
        July 31, 2008
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        Roaddog Wolf

        First of all I'm British and I deplore our government's
        armed Agression against the Iraqi people (see my "Blair" poem). There were thousands of American heroes in Viet Nam
        who deserted in droves that takes real courage.
        To say the Viet-Namese were sorry you left is the same wishful thinking that led to the Shock and Awe merciless
        destruction and murder of thousands of Iraqi citizens.
        I sympathise with relatives of solders U.S.and Iraqi alike
        (and British) who are sent to perpetrate these acts
        Muslim history has nothing to do with war on Iraq which
        anybody with their eyes open like you know full well.
        it was all about oil.Lesson 1 on muslim history
        the u.s. government backed and supplied Sadam Hussein's
        Poison Gas war against Iran they did that with their eyes wide open knowing what he was like.No wonder the muslims love you.Read some of my poems you might even be enlightened further== "Truth" "Axis of evil" "The Soldier"
        "Katrina" "Hiroshima" "The Liberators" "The Cauldron of Discontent" "Freedom"and "National Pride".
        Best Wishes George

  • imahealer
    July 16, 2008

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    Thank you for sharing your thoughts on The American Soldier. I echo your thoughts on the war, had my cousin die in the towers, worked at ground zero giving chair massage for all those weary heros needing touch and compassion, just as much as our soldiers need today and needed during the war in Nam! I am so glad you are here to write! So many who came back, cannot even function. Every time I have flown, and witnessed soldiers returning from war they all get a hug and a kiss and many thanks. To those who fought in NAm, I wish I could turn back the clock and right the wrongs of disrespectful Americans. ON my home page I had written in no uncertain terms how I feel about what those Muslims did on 911, and have been criticized, but I stand tall and proud as an American and will not take down the message!
    God Bless you and all who gave!
    Love,
    Linda

    • Roaddog Wolf
      July 16, 2008
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      In regard to Viet Nam

      I wrote this nearly forty years ago now thouhgt you might like to read it
      http://allpoetry.com/poem/3000040


      Thank you

    • Roaddog Wolf
      July 16, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the kind critique

      You know people better wake up because the Muslim world will not cease to be our enemies because we stop fighting with them. People don't realize or fail to remember that Hitler, his war, ethnic cleansing and genocide was terror on a world level. Iran and Iraq were part of the Axis powers. The allied countries lost the lives of 70,000,000 people, that is 70 million people. Anyone that doesn't think the muslims are into ethnic cleansing is delirious. They teach their children to hate us from birth. It is a great honor for them to die killing Americans, they become martyrs. Americans are not in focus. We should of started kicking ass when Iran took American hostages and dragged the dead bodies of special forces that tried to rescue them through the streets of Tehran in the late 60's. it is there goal to kill Americans and become martyrs. I say if they want to meet Allah that we help them out. They are already terror world wide we don't need another world war but it's coming you can believe that. I just hope we don't get caught with our pants down. 911..... I had one of the most unusual thing in my life happen through that, I consider it a miracle, not the terrorist attack itself, but thats a whole another story.

      LOL get me started I'll be writing a book thanks for your response


  • mitchie
    July 16, 2008

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    great thought!

    you put your mind into this poem so you deserve three smileys.i love how you wrote it its so nice to read!thanks for the great read,miley24


  • storiesuntold gold member
    July 13, 2008

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    God Bless you for this indeed

    I cried for this poem you have penned with honor indeed needs to be where all can rea and see . My husband did two turns in vietnam and today he can see as probably you can what is happening around us even today . He shakes his head at some of the things they talk about on the president run and cant believe so many people are falling for it line hook and sinker.Again the citizens know in this country what makes it strong and we shall see to it that it stays that way indeed


  • Mad Pastor Grovell
    July 13, 2008

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    Yessiree! It is the duty of the US soldier to kill off all those evildoers who want to threaten our godly way of life in the good old US of A!


  • Talking Toni gold member
    July 10, 2008

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    AMen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Thanks for this wonderful and wise tribute to our AMerican troops. This was a moving piece and your words touched my heart as an AMerican and made me think about the freedoms we take for granted will always be there but as you state it will ome at a price as freedom is never free!!!Thanks for your entry and the best of luck in my contest!!!~~Toni~~


  • PurringKitten silver member
    July 9, 2008

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    OUT STANDING

    until men learn to stop the hate there will always be wars.those brave souls that stand on the front lines of our freedom are all the heros to me...your words pull the tears from my heart...Thank you very much for this!!


  • cricketjeff gold member
    May 27, 2008

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    Well I'm not American so I'll stick to commenting on the poetry, a lovely pieced of rhyme, that flows nicely, good write that flows well


  • InMyOwnGlassBox
    May 26, 2008

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    wow, your poems about war are unkany, I love them.
    My sister right now is in Iraq and her son is living with our mother and myself. I absolutly in love with this poem. Thank you for sharing it.


  • crazymomma
    May 26, 2008

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    Your support of our troops and our country shines through. This was a lovely write. The rhyme didn't seem forced at all.


  • Riftkin gold member
    May 26, 2008

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    Your words of support is all true
    For I got out during the Gulf War.

    My reasons.. a tiny new born babe,
    but my support and love went out
    to those in my company that went there.

    War is not pretty, and people.. not just
    soldiers, but, people die on each side.
    There is a reason to fight, and that is
    freedom. Yours, and those you love back home,
    ... the government and media does not
    always see that ... when war is broken down,
    it all comes back to people... fighting
    for their freedom..

    Bless you for your insight..
    and this amazing poem.


    Known as Riftkin here...

    Joann

  • Yvette Champ gold member
    May 26, 2008

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    A poem that has a passionate, patriotic voice. I thought it a pertinent point made that there is no support in politics. I may not agree with all the points as pictured but do wish for a safe return of all troops, American and English, for our soldiers are there too. Although I take the middle ground I care about the support system re healthcare et al upon the soldiers return and am also concerened about groups, such as the Westborough Baptist Church in the USA, who invade the funerals of soldiers and compound the grief of their families, which is despicable,dishonourable behaviour. God bless all whose lives have been lost. I pray there is peace in our lifetime.

  • Many Sparrows
    May 26, 2008

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    Wonderful!!!

    I love your picture of the flag and this was a very touching, patriotic and spiritual poem. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thank you so much. My grandfather was in WWII. He's still living. I plan to go see him today. I was watching the movie, Flags of our Fathers earlier. Have you seen it? I highly recommend it, although the battle scenes are gruesome, it was a very realistic and heartfelt movie about WWII. God bless America and God bless you Roaddog!!!


  • mrocun
    May 26, 2008

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    A bit biased obviously and not sure I totally agree with everything you say but nice poem none-the-less


  • Touchof1der silver member
    May 26, 2008

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    With pen to paper you have you have written some very interesting thoughts here. Delivered with all the power and strength and mighty tip of the pen that one who knows of that which he speaks can deliver. Thank you for sharing and best wishes to you in all of your endeavors. Keep that pen handy and ever ready for use dear poet.
    ♥ Touchof1der


  • aj.vamp
    May 26, 2008

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    This is awesome!!!! It's a really touching piece, and perfect for memorial day. It was a great read, and some of the best I've read. I totally support the troops, and im showing this to everyone who doesnt, maybe your words will change their minds. But great, really amazing


  • darlintlc silver member
    May 26, 2008

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    Thanks for entering this very touching poem in my contest "Good v.s. Evil" there is nothing as evil as war..nothing so good as those who give up their lives for another! We must remember what their fighting for and stand by it and them!

    good luck
    darlintlc


  • 2lullabyhaven
    May 26, 2008

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    This is awesome...you really poured emotion in and it sings with intelligent feeling...already congrats on the Gold and good luck in the rest lol


  • Mark Rickerby gold member
    May 25, 2008

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    Hallelujah!

    This is one of the best poems I've read about 911 and our response to it, if not the best. With your permission, I'm going to try to start a viral email campaign of it. Excellent rhythm and, of course, message. Too many are too willing to criticize America. I see at least one comment below from a "blame America first" type. That kind of attitude has bewildered me since 9/11 because rarely has evil been so clearly drawn as it is with the Islamo-fascists bent on destroying anything and everything that isn't exactly like them. Great work, my friend. I'm glad to see it won the gold.

    Mark


  • Carly Pop gold member
    May 25, 2008

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    I'm speechless

    I am in awe of your poem, speechless and if you know me that is amazing in itself. I absolutely LOVED IT and love our troops, our country from LA to DC. I salute you! God bless!!!!!!!!!1
    PS - I am all for veterans receiving free medical/dental the rest of there lives and even free housing

  • Bob Fox
    May 25, 2008

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    well

    I think you have said it all but sadly there are still the doubters & the secular progressives that think appeasement will save their asses. If only they took the time to put themselves in the place of those that jumped from 104 floors during 9/11 only to splatter like an egg. Such a choice I pray I never have to make. And yes our troops under such stress because of the far left media. I wonder what is their purpose? America wake up. And I salute you for this write

  • storiesuntold gold member
    May 25, 2008
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    Excellent write

    So true this is and couldnt be written any better or any other way for it is the rught way and the country thanks our soldiers men and women and those past soldiers as well for this country would be nothing without every one of our heros indeed And I hope for all our soldiers this love today and as they return is truly felt


  • Flo Varekai
    May 25, 2008

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    Awesome

    This is a really amazing poem. You can really feel the proud dedication in this. I'll be joining the Air Force in the footsteps of my father. I just hope I can be as good a soldier as him. I personally feel the same way this poem is written. I really like it, cuz it puts together thoughts I can't express. Well done! Bravo!


  • Catressa gold member
    May 22, 2008

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    As the wife of an American Soldier who served in Iraq and was Wounded I have to give you Thanks for remaining strong for the red white and blue..

    There are so many strong opinions, and people it seems sometimes are only willing to point fingers and do nothing but blame.

    Take Care and be safe,

    Catressa


  • xxRainbowDawnxx
    May 18, 2008
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    So strong - I definately agree, respect is granted here.


  • getsbetter
    April 28, 2008

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    Great, Great write Roaddog. In the second stanza-L2 (news) if you took it out, I think it would read smoother, but just my input. Xlnt read- I enjoyed it. And definnitely a gold write...GETS

    • Roaddog Wolf
      April 28, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      hi Gets

      thanks for the comment, glad you liked it, I appreciate suggestions and corrections and encourage them. I looked at that part but I think if I took (news) out it would leave out my dig on the media, which doesn't always have much good to say in the way of supporting the cause and I was implying that neither government politics nor the media is what a soldier forms his conviction on morally and peoples support which let's face it is not always one and the same as the governments politics or the media.


  • ScottishPrincess silver member
    April 19, 2008

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    Wow I just love this,this means alot to me,you may like to read my poem dedicated to the US Soldiers,Real American Hero,I also want to say to you and all the soldiers thank you from my heart,Hazel


  • Pollycheck
    April 19, 2008

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    Thank you for entering my military contest. You have penned a wonderful poem with this one. It is very obvious to me that you are a patriotic veteran of my era and I thank you for your service.


  • lostangel07
    April 17, 2008

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    My dad was in vietnam...Im always there to support the soldiers. My friends are overseas fighting and my boyfriend and I both want to join the RAAF. This piece is amazing, it delivers such a sucint view of each side. Wonderful

  • judmc
    April 1, 2008
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    Short sighted

    "My country right or wrong" has been used by every aggressor in history.The use of napalm to roast women
    and children alive,in their villages and the use of so called defolients
    that have rendered many square miles of Viet-Nam
    poisonous to crops to this day
    "you have to know in your hearts what you are doing is right" I rest my case


  • Chuck Johnson silver member
    March 19, 2008
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    This is very good. Could not agree more. Well written and with a good heart. Ty Buddy!


  • R. Cole Ph.
    December 19, 2007

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    this is so deep im 17 and already in the army i leave in febuary for traing i know one thing thanks for all your supory of our troops and me as well as a future troop i reaall apreaciate the suport of our troops shown in this great writ


  • creationsfromheart
    December 9, 2007

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    Wonderful write

    Felt with love kindness heart and I know many think we have forgotten but I know in my Heart I will never forget the day war graced our land, and for the first time I knew what it was like to hate another country and wanted to end them. Yet knowing innoccen is everywhere who do we allow to live and to kill, I know these soldiers deservfe so much more than america is able to pay, but words like yours are words that will leave them to know they are lookup to and become many heros bravo on this write


    • Roaddog Wolf
      December 16, 2007
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      anks again


    • Roaddog Wolf
      December 16, 2007
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      thank you for your kind comment I appreciate you taking time to express your thoughts in length , makes writing a poem much more woth while

  • PureCountry
    November 11, 2007
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    Well Said

    Thank you for entering and Good Luck!


  • Rheea gold member
    November 7, 2007

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    I think my friend you give too much credit to an America who forgot Vietnam vets and have forgotten 9-11 much too soon... Rolling Thunder and The Eagles stand tall... You have much grace love and dignity God Bless our Dear Patriotic Troops people seem to forget there is no draft.. And God Bless you for so much you have forgiven. what a beautiful beautiful write.What a wonderful man you are.


  • UnchartedPoet
    October 24, 2007

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    What a wonderful tribute to our men and women in the service, now and then. You have done a great thing in lifting spirits with this poem. BRAVO!!!!! Great write and congrats on the Gold trophy

    Jen

  • June-bug
    October 24, 2007

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    Fantastic

    I am so very glad that you promoted this and I have had the priviledge to read it. I stand with you, our troops are the heart of America, sadly enough so many don't realize all that they truly do. I have tears in my eyes as I think with a heart of graditude of what they are doing for us at this very moment. People just don't realize what could be happening in America today had the action of war not been taken, 911 was just the tip..the actions of this enemy are of pure evil and hatred. God Bless you for posting this and most of all those around the world today who are representing America.


  • pearl-dragon
    October 24, 2007
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    I'm sorry, I didn't realise I had already commented when you posted this in the contest but it was a pleasure to read your words again. Their honesty still reaches out to me.

    Take care
    Margaret


  • adios muchachos gold member
    October 24, 2007

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    Hey Dave

    Sorry to hear about all the fires and all down your way.
    They say tomorrow, Wednesday, the winds MAY change direction. Let's hope and pray!

    Great poem Dave! "Good mothers make good sons" someone once told me. I've come to believe every word of that small adage!

    You know my brother Eric served in Nam about the time as you did and  I had to content myself in sending him butterscotch candy, jelly and playboy magazines.
    But I never told you that he re-upped after a couple of years as a civilian!
    He said he went to the recruiting office with his discharge papers, and told the guy that he would be willing to reenlist, but didn't want to go back to Viet Nam. Who would?
    So for the next three years or so he was a chauffeur to a Lt.Col. in Germany. He had a ball going all around Europe, and did not have a bad thing to say about that tour.LOL I miss him.

    When we were kids we had to spend three years in an orphanage because of some family matters. We had two older brothers still at home and who were preparing to join the Marines and the Army.
    For some reason, I got the notion in my head to write the President, who at that time was Dwight D. Eisenhower. I mentioned that our brothers were in the service and how proud we were of them. I didn't think much of it at the time, and in a few weeks had all but forgotten about it.
    Then, one day I see the guy in charge of us heading toward me, and he's got a manila envelope in his hand.
    When he handed it to me I didn't know quite what to make of it, and then I see in the left hand corner THE WHITE HOUSE! Holy sh--!

     

    Inside was a letter and an autographed photo of the President.
    He said that he was equally as proud of my brothers as were my family and I.
    I believe that in my letter to him I had asked him what the most difficult thing he'd ever had to do, both as  General and President.
    That must be the case, because this is what he replied...

    "The most difficult thing I ever had to do, was what I believed to be the best thing to do which was in my heart and mind, sometimes, despite the advice of some very intelligent, well intentioned colleagues."

     

    I don't know what all this has to do with your great poem, but maybe some of our guys and girls miight read your poem, and this as well  and know the thoughts of one of our great Presidents and military leaders.

     

    Good to see this posted, and to see the turnout of people in support of

    our nation's stance against terrorism.

     

     

    John Johnson 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    • Roaddog Wolf
      October 24, 2007
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      This good John because this poem is going to the four branches of the armed forces to

      be distributed to the troops hopefully the comments will go with it and be read by them as well, that would be great.
      Do you remember where your brother was at in Viet-Nam or what division? I know you must miss your brother very much. Funny how as we get older we find ourselves more alone and miss those we loved allot are missed even more. yet, not in the case of your brother, but even though we feel a share of loneliness, we seem to find too much company hard to deal with. I guess we get set in our ways and find anything too new as infringing on who we are, at least sometimes we do I suppose. Guess I'm thinking a bit of the female species, seems ya long for the company then when they start getting too close ya just want to be alone again lol. either that or learn to squeeze the toothpaste tube properly , lol.

      hopefully the fires will slow down one came to less than 2 miles from where I live but I think we are safe here, appreciate the concern.

      thanks for the comment
      David

  • Talking Toni gold member
    October 23, 2007
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    Worthy Of Gold!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    This is simply amazing!!! It is full of the cold hard truth. You have my graditude for the service to gave to our country in Viet-nam. I know that wasn't an eay war to come home from. You are right someday all will know the heart of the AMerican soldier and I just hope it is not too late when that happens. I hope many a soldier has the opportunity to read this piece as it would lift their spirits and be encouraging to them!!!Thanks for sharing!!!~~Toni~~


  • BeautifulFlame
    October 22, 2007

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    Brought Tears

    This was amazing! You told truths from your heart , the realities of war!
    I appauld you for still beliveing in this country and Freedom!!!
    Sad to say but by Sept. my own son Nick is joining the Marines , Its scary but its what he wants to do!
    Mom will be behide him 100% !
    Thanks for sharing this write with all of us, it was truly outstanding..and heartfelt.
    Your friend always,
    ~Lisa~


  • MercyMe
    October 17, 2007

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    Stand Up and Salute

    Strong and captivating words from the heart.   I applaud your preciseness in the words you chose.   You had me scrolling faster and faster, wanting to know where your next thought/feeling would lead.

    I wish I could shake your hand and tell you and all of our 'soldiers'..

    THANK YOU for your sacrifices!!   You'll forever be held near and dear.

    Peace ~ Mia

    • Roaddog Wolf
      October 19, 2007
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      THanks Mia

      One of my more serious writes it means alot to me. THank you for your kind word. You might like to read why I take this subject so seriously and read my poem " Near forty years ago, Viet Nam"
      thanks for your comment


  • Swan song gold member
    October 14, 2007

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    This is truly an awesome poem. I was a paratrooper for nine years and agree completely with all that was written here. I support the war in Iraq and if one reads anything about Vietnam I supported that to.
    I get peeved when I see all the stupid polititions
    play to their interests. If a select few would shut up and realiza their silence would benefit the cause
    it would help.
    Thank you for your sacrifice Thnak your Son
    and thank you for a lovely and truthful poem.


  • Beautiful-N-Broken gold member
    October 6, 2007

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    This poem really touched me. I, too, support our troops in everything they do. My husband is in the Army and is leavin in a little over a wk to go back to Iraq for his second tour. Although this poem is for All the men and women in the military. I want to be a spouse who thanks you from the bottom of my heart!


  • Sandygram
    September 29, 2007

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    Wonderful!!!!

    Good Morning, I can see why this one won Gold. It brought a tear to my eye and makes me proud to be an American. Well deserving too. Very stark and powerful imagery that is sad but true. We have to support our troops no matter what is in our hearts about the war till every soldier is out of harms way. Thank you for sharing this heartselt poem. Thank you for serving our country when you were called upon. I have so much repect for all out veterens. We don't thank them enough. Bless you. You take care, Sandy

    • Roaddog Wolf
      September 30, 2007
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      Thank you for your

      kind critique, I appreciate you reading my poem . It is a deep and important subject and considering my poem I wrote 40 years ago about Viet-Nam it is a solid understanding I have and writing that piece was important to me. Thank you for recognizing it's value and meaning.

      • Sandygram
        September 30, 2007
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        You are very welcome. It was my pleasure to read your heartfelt poem. Thank you again for sharing it with us who have never experienced war first hand but only through loved ones memories. God Bless You, God Bless our troops and God Bless America.

  • getsbetter
    September 24, 2007
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    Roaddog, this was absolutely awesome. You could feel the pride you still carry, Xlnt-Xlnt write! And God bless ya brother...GETS

    • Roaddog Wolf
      September 24, 2007
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      thank you Getsbetter

      I appreciate your kind words. How are things going for you my friend? I hope your doing well. Take care and thanks again.


  • JustSimplyLissa gold member
    September 24, 2007

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    This is such an amazing write. And no Freedom IS NOT FREE! God bless you for the time you've served and for the support you show our troops today.


    • Roaddog Wolf
      September 24, 2007
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      thank you very much, Lisa

      for everything and thank you for all your doing, your pretty special!


  • Recluse Writer gold member
    September 24, 2007
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  • mmook
    September 23, 2007

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    Freedoms' Price Never Ends......I have read some of your other poems about being a soldier and like them this one so truly comes from the heart and like the others it makes me cry. At least now we have the opportunity through our words to let them all know that their efforts are appreciated. We both know the pain men and women feel when they are shunned just for doing their job...a job that their critics are not willing to do. I have learned over the years that it takes a very special kind of person to dedicate their lives to being a soldier and I am both honoured and blessed to be able to say that there are many soldiers who I hold in my heart as friends. I think that we all wish and pray for the same thing...a safe return and maybe one day peace for all.Thank you I so needed that....Thank you I so needed that.... for me this personal my brother-in -laws is career solidier for one and two this 3 tours in iraqi... his family is grateful for kind words share here thank you......

  • pearl-dragon
    September 23, 2007

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    I have read some of your other poems about being a soldier and like them this one so truly comes from the heart and like the others it makes me cry. At least now we have the opportunity through our words to let them all know that their efforts are appreciated. We both know the pain men and women feel when they are shunned just for doing their job...a job that their critics are not willing to do. I have learned over the years that it takes a very special kind of person to dedicate their lives to being a soldier and I am both honoured and blessed to be able to say that there are many soldiers who I hold in my heart as friends. I think that we all wish and pray for the same thing...a safe return and maybe one day peace for all.


  • Rose Angel gold member
    September 22, 2007

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    Freedoms' Price Never Ends.

    Yeah,brother mine...Will our freedom ever come..It is a 24/7 year by year,,we are outnumbered by enemies that count a heaven of theirs to gain which isn't real and death in return, and the threat that we have to adopt their religion..It does not end there..You have written so sensibly calmly and with alot of thought..You are such a rational person and I admire you for this and this well thought out write, from a Nam vet...God bless you...and I bless you and l u too!

  • storiesuntold gold member
    September 22, 2007
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    I cry

    So well written and the heart felt truthful feelings only you could write this day . We will never stop fighting for our boys here at home to see our brave men win the war and come back home again . For they are truly loved


  • dustookie2
    September 22, 2007

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    You pen from your heart of one who cares and more importantly truly understands HH a brilliant voice you have and a talented pen I thank you for sharing these words. People just have to remember it is not the troops on the ground who make wars but the educated or so called wise leaders of all nations. the decision to declare war or take part in a conflict is not made by the men and women who make up the Armed Forces they are doing a job they have been trained for and in doing so are our protectors of nations. So we may walk and speak in freedom who in some cases give up their life and deserve our respect good luck in the contest HH but you have already won gold


  • sunny day
    September 22, 2007

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    OMG, you dug deep into the depths of your soul to write this piece and you most certainly touched mine with it. I want to thank you for having served in the past, especially in a war that so many Americans look upon with disdain. So many who fled to Canada to avoid being drafted that will sit and judge now as they did then. I lost a cousin in that war and he never made it over there. He was killed here in his barracks along with four others who decided to play chicken with a grenade. Wars for any reason are never good, though it happens. This piece just blew me away and I thank you for entering this contest along with wishing you the best in it. Love and God bless, Joyce


    • Roaddog Wolf
      September 24, 2007
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      Thank you and everyone

    • Roaddog Wolf
      September 22, 2007
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      Thank you I so needed that

      I'm already getting flack for being a war advocate. Wnat a full perspective of how much my heart aches over all this read my poem "nearly forty years now, Viet Nam". I don't want our kids over there anymore than anyone else but damnit don't put them in harms way and sit back here and whine about war thats what happened in Viet Nam and I left some good friends there. If we aren't going to stand behind them and make them feel what they're doingt is right then we need to get them the hell out of there. Sorry if I am a bit riled , it's not on you. Thank you for your kind words


  • misticmoonlite gold member
    September 22, 2007

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    WOW!..you said a lot in this poem and dedication to our great country,there is not one other,that touches people like ours do..I love this..good luck ..mm

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