Friday, May 27, 2005

What it really means

Want to see a grown man or woman cry? Read this and then Look in a mirror.

"Arlington"
-- Trace Adkins

never thought that this is where I’d settle down
I thought I’d die an old man back in my hometown
They gave me this plot of land
Me and some other men
For a job well done
There’s a big white house, sits on a hill, just up the road
The man inside, he cried the day they brought me home
They folded up a flag
And told my mom and dad
‘We’re proud of your son’

And I’m proud to be on this peaceful piece of property
I’m on sacred ground, and I’m in the best of company
I’m thankful for those thankful for the things I’ve done
I can rest in peace, I’m one of the chosen ones
I made it to Arlington

I remember Daddy brought me here when I was eight
We searched all day to find out where my granddad lay
When we finally found that cross
He said ‘Son, this is what it costs
To keep us free’
Now here I am, a thousand stones away from him
He recognized me on the first day I came in
And it gave me a chill
When he clicked his heels
And saluted me

And I’m proud to be on this peaceful piece of property
I’m on sacred ground, and I’m in the best of company
I’m thankful for those thankful for the things I’ve done
I can rest in peace, I’m one of the chosen ones
I made it to Arlington

And every time I hear twenty-one guns
I know they brought another hero home to us

We’re thankful for those thankful for the things we’ve done
We can rest in peace, ‘cause we are the chosen ones
We made it to Arlington

Yeah, dust to dust
Don’t cry for us
We made it to Arlington
If you don't tear up to this, what the hell is wrong with you.

That is what memorial day is really about. It's not beer and barbeques and a day off work; it's about duty, honor, and sacrifice. Please remember that this weekend.