Final Farewell

[generatortrues]

RIP to SGT.MAJ. Richard Byrd Sr. retired. Outstanding Marine, and also my uncle who was buried today with full military honors in jacksonvill,nc at the age of 63.

[thedrifter]

My sincere condolences to You and the Family

"O I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter silvered wings;

Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds
And done a hundred things you have not dreamed of"

Ellie and Mark


The Final Inspection
The soldier stood and faced his God which must always come to pass;
He hoped his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now young soldier, how shall I deal with you?
Have you alway 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 carrry 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 streets are really rough.

"But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep,
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help though at times I shook with fear.
And God forgive me, but I've wept unmanly tears.

"I know I don't deserve a place among the people here,
they only wanted me around when they needed to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand,
but if you don't have one, I will understand."

There was silence all around the throne, where the saints had often
trod
As the soldier waited quietly for judgment from his God.
"Step forward now soldier, you've borne you burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets. You've done your time in Hell."