Duty Above All

Platoon by platoon, the soldiers march on.
Carrying their rifles on their back, wearing their dog tags proud.
They hold their heads up high, seemingly full of confidence.
However, their eyes tell the truth; their eyes say they’re scared.
Their families worried, wondering when they’ll be home, if they’ll be safe.
They board the planes, ready to fight any fight, overcome any challenges.
They arrive at the battlefield, immediately sorted into their tents.
The soldiers finally get a chance to know one another,
All coming from different cities within the country.
In no time, they all become brothers in arms.
No matter what happens, they got each others back.
They might fight for their country,
But they end up dying for their friends.
They all live by these five words:
Honor, Faith, Loyalty, Courage and Duty.

Early one morning, they find themselves suddenly pushed into battle.
“Shots fired, everybody down”, the captains scream to their soldiers.
Every single soldier has rifles out and safeties off, ready to shoot and kill.
Bullets and shrapnel flying everywhere, scream of anguish fill the air.
The only thing that is going through the soldiers’ heads,
Are the flashbacks of the memories of their family, friends.
The soldiers feel their survival instincts kick in,
Their actions and decisions made in split seconds.

The aftermath of this bloody battle is clear
Too many soldiers gave their lives here.
The lucky few who survived the battle,
Pay respects to their fallen brothers and sisters.
While their fallen brothers and sisters are being laid to rest,
The survivors begin to say this chant: “See you on the other side”
Long after the soldiers have returned home,
The image of war still lingers in their soul.
No matter what else they do in their lives,
All they can think about is joining up again.
Any soldier, past, present or future.
They will all say” Duty Above All”