Gave My All

 Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
 
I went off to war one day.  No one from my hometown took notice; no parade, no advice like “Keep your head down and come home safe,” only my Mom and Dad cared.  Mom cried and Dad gave me a longer than usual, hug goodbye.  Yes, I went off to war one day.
 
No one knew, not even me, this would be the last they saw of me.  Off to basic training to learn how to shoot and fight.  I was good enough, but eventually I was up against an enemy bigger than me.  Oh, my heart was never faint, my nerves like steel, yet he who came against me did prevail.  I went off to war one day.
 
They say it’s good to hear the bullets whiz on by.  It’s the one you don’t hear that causes you to die.  A thousand bullets in the air, each one missing by a hair.  In the sight of a soldier like me, he pulled the trigger.  I went off to war one day.
 
Mortally wounded, I hit the ground.  My buddies hollered to hang on, help was on the way.  I knew it was too late as the horizon grew cloudy and dim.  In the distance, I saw a chariot coming after me.  I went off to war one day.
 
Now home, they laid me on a horse drawn hearse.  A flag I was proud to wear that day.  The whole town came out for a hero’s “welcome home,” one last goodbye.  From the church to a mile out of town, the people stood silently as I went by.  The horse drawn hearse turned the final corner.  I went off to war one day.
 
As I entered through the gates, I heard the sharp click of heels and imagined their snappy salute.  Those who sacrificed before me seemingly stood in a row.  They honored me, for they too had gone off to war one day.
 
Here I lay at home, at rest.  My life cut short with no remorse.  For freedom’s sake, I gave my all.  Will those who follow know the price I paid?  I pray they guard her and stand tall.  My friends and I lay with one regret.  We had only one life to give for freedom’s flag.  I went off to war one day.
Quietly,
Pastor Allan
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