Giving thanks

[Utah Bob]

In the cold gray of the morning in that forest frozen hard
A young and frightened soldier read a worn and treasured card.
He’d carried it since ’42 through Africa’s dark sky.
When he jumped in Operation Torch and somehow didn’t die.

Up through that “underbelly” that wasn’t soft at all.
In the grinder that was Anzio, he saw his buddies fall.
Then it was on to Southern France where the 509th fought well.
His card kept in his pocket as he fought his way through hell.

And now he shivered in this hole in Belgium’s countryside.
He pulled the crumpled card and read, his rifle at his side.
“Dear Son”, it said, “We hope you’re well no matter where you are”.
“We wish you could be home this day, just know how proud we are”

“On this day of Thanksgiving we thank the Lord for you.
We’re thankful for your strong young friends and all that you must do.
And while our fear is great not knowing when we'll meet again
We’re thankful for your courage in this fight that we must win.”

“As we gather round the table and give thanks for all we see.
You know our hearts are with you as you fight to keep us free.
Take heart dear boy, we love you so, and wait for your return.
We’ll welcome you with all our hearts, here where the home fires burn”

“Until that day remember that we’re proud of you dear Tom.
Have a good Thanksgiving.” It was signed “Love, Dad and Mom.”
And as gunfire rattled and the dawn turned into day
He quickly folded up the card and tucked it safe away.

The Sergeant roused the men and got them grumbling to their feet
His thoughts returned to home and past Thanksgiving meals so sweet.
But there’s no time for sentiment in the middle of a war.
And that was his Thanksgiving, in 1944.

So as you sit down on this fine day with family and friends.
Don’t forget the boys like Tom who rest in the Ardennes.
And all the ones who went before and all the ones gone since
Those men who gave all that they had and never shirked nor winced.

The ones who answered when the bells tolled clear, and loud, and long.
They stood and fought and died for you to keep this country strong.
Give thanks for their sacrifice and to their memory.
Give thanks for all they did for you to keep Thanksgiving free.