Tired feet from marching on

worn right to the bone

we build our calluses while

stomping to the beat of our cadence

Stolen by sickness left and right

some forever changed

others recover steadfast and fully

we fight through our strifes

Our packs are heavy

yet we still march on to fight

with strong anticipation of coming home

to be reunited with those whom we care for

Through strenuous hours  

we carry our mental and physical loads

so you may be with family and friends

and not need to share our burdens

Beside us our brothers and sisters stand

we sing our great nation's anthem

hoping to go home soon and safe

after keeping our country free

We race back to familiar faces

family and friends changed with time

some older, others young and new

and some who will live only in memory

Living memories, growing older

of past friends lost in battle

never to forget the fighting

for the land of free and home of brave

We stare into the eyes of death,

we have walked beside the devil

while others relax safely at home

and pretend they know the horror

No one can think of all our days

how grueling the life of a soldier is

writing letters, singing, and dreaming

of coming home for