They all stepped forward to do all that they could
None of them asked if the shouldn't or should!
They came from all across this great land,
Most just a boy, not yet quite a man.
But men they became and courageous ones too
They stood shoulder to shoulder for the Red White and Blue.
Not all were warriors, not all took the fall,
But they all gave some, even though some gave all.
They were Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marines
Some sailed, some walked, and some flew awesome machines.
Some were black, some were white, some were short, and some were tall
But they all gave some, even though some gave all.
Some carried guns, and others wore a Red Cross
Some carried Bibles, and some cared for the Lost.
Some were out front, some in the rear
Some prepared meals; some took care of the gear
But regardless on how they answered the call
They all gave some, even though some gave all.
Often we hear of the fallens' deeds, but little we hear of those others we need
They were clerks, and cooks, and mechanics too
Dentists, veterinarians and Doughnut Dollies in Blue
Some never saw jungle, or a triple canopy,
Cause they were on Station, in the South China Sea.
On carriers, Destroyers, ships big and small
They too gave some, and some gave all.
They worked with graves registration to take care of our dead
Some wrote for Stars and Stripes, the paper we read.
They brought us the songs on Armed Forces VN
They took care of our mail time and again.
They brought Sammy, Phyllis and all of Hopes crew
At China Beach they catered to you.
Others made maps, still some in dive suits
Some gave you clean clothes, others new boots
There were the men in MARS, so home you could call
And all gave some, even though some gave all.
Some drove cats, others used cranes,
Some worked in LABS, some armed the planes
Others wore scrubs, and surgical masks
They did all manner of jobs, performed every task.
And don't forget the women, they too did their share
They left the aprons at home, put on a uniform to wear
They too served our country, and some are on the wall
Yes they to gave some, and some of them gave all.
And so when the roll call is taken, of those who did go
Don't stand in the back with your head held low.
You may have not fought, but you were there just the same.
America thanks you, and honors your name.
So step to the front, head held high and be proud.
And with a clear voice, we will state it out loud.
"Yes you are a vet, you too answered the call"
and Yes you all gave some, and yes some gave all.
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by Randy S. Pennington
Dedicated to "Uncle Don Pennington"
Cryptographer 1st Signal Bde RVN 69-70