You Claim To Appreciate - Do You?

January 1961 President Kennedy spoke these words:

We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of the first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place to friend and foe alike that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans- born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage- and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

Fighting soldiers from the sky
Fearless men who jump and die
Men who mean just what they say
The brave men of the Green Beret.

Silver Wings upon their chest
These are men, America's best
One hundred men will test today
But only three win the Green Beret.

Trained to live off nature's land
Trained in combat, hand to hand
Men who fight by night and day
Courage picked from the Green Beret.

Silver Wings upon their chest
These are men, America's best
One hundred men will test today
But only three win the Green Beret.

Back at home a young wife waits
Her Green Beret has met his fate
He has died for those oppressed
Leaving her his last request.

Put Silver Wings on my son's chest
Make him one of America's best
He'll be a man they'll test one day
Have him win the Green Beret.
- Ballad of the Green Beret, SSG. Barry Sadler (download mp3 here)

Let us remember all soldiers - and be smart enough to know the difference between a hero and an enemy. Perhaps more could come home if everyone stood with them.