Basic Soldier

Not for glory, fame or fortune,

Not for gratitude or praise

The basic soldier serves in silence

With a watchful steely gaze.

 

Not a slave to needless causes,

Just a cog on grinding gear that

Keeps the locomotive charging forward

Without doubt or fear.

 

Some may speak of God and country,

Friends and family, hearth and home,

But when the bombs of battle rage

The soldier never stands alone.

 

Brothers bold and sisters stoic,

Banded by a single bond,

Sing the same brave song of freedom

Marching, marching ever on.

 

Hail and greet the basic soldier.

Millions now, millions then,

Millions when their cause is noble.

Shall we see their like again?