Remembrance Sunday - Lest We Forget

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 foward now you soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek,

And 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 carry guns,

Can't always be saints

"I've had to work most Sundays

And at times my talk was tough

And sometimes I've been violent

Because the streets were awfully rough"

But I never took a penny,

That was'nt mine to keep

Though I worked a lot of overtime

When the bills just got to steep,

And I never passed a cry for help

Although, at times I shook with fear

And sometimes, God forgive

I've wept unmanly tears

I know I don't deserve a place

Among the people here

That never wanted me around

Except to calm there fears

If you have a place for me here O' Lord

It needn't be so grand

I've never expected, or had so much

But if you don't I'll understand"

There was a silence all around the throne

Where the Saints had often trod

As this soldier waited quietly

For the judgment from his God

"Step foward now you soldier,

You've borne your burdens well

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell"

Author Unknown

Lance Corporal Dale Hopkins

28th September 1985 - 6th August 2009

We will remember you and all the other brave men and women who have lost their lives serving and protecting us.

Also,those who survived and have been left with the physical and mental scars of war and their families and friends who are left behind.