by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 1942~Sept. 1945
So, they’ve counted off 2,000
Of our fine young people
And we ask ourselves
The question,
Would we do it all again?
Should we bear the burden
For a cause
We once held dear?
Should we go forth in battle
Banishing our fear?
Is the strength of our nation
In danger of demise?
Should we be the
Keeper of the flame?
Such questions lie unanswered
For no one man can reply,
It’s a question for the nation
To answer and comply.
Forget not our beginnings
When we fought for liberty.
Do we not remember
We were branches
On the freedom tree?
Must we call up the ideals
That made the nation free?
Must we question all the reasons
We stand for liberty?
Do we not remember
The yolk of tyranny?
Can we not lend
A hand
To help a nation
To be a free as we?
Yes we can!
* * *
About the author: Robert Cook served with Reg. Weapons Co.(2d-2d) from 1942~44, at Guadalcanal
and Tarawa, during a 33-month overseas tour.
