by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
They came from all across the land
To fight a war that was not planned.
Those soldiers, sailors and Marines,
Gave to all their best esteem.
They didn't ask, "What 's best for me?"
But only what is best for thee.
There was no place
They did not go,
From arctic ice
To tropics glow.
They carried the flag
And held it high.
Their mission:
Do or die.
Name to me one war
That we have fought,
That found our men
On courage short
Of bravery
And derring-do.
The guts to stand
Behind their guns
'Til the enemy
Or they were through.
Not 'til colors
Then were flew,
Did we retire where
Skies were blue
And war clouds
No longer darkened
The land.
For we had stood,
A stalwart force
That made the peace
On this our earth.
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**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.
