"Beholding Beyond Words"

Beholding beyond words to our servicemen and women
Stationed around the world in far away places
There's not much we can say to thank them enough
For what they go thru each day in the rough

But give them our love
Give them our thanks
Give our regards
For a safe return

We praise and raise our hands to you
That earned the honor we now bestow
We salute you for a job bravely done
And applaud your courage in the face of unknown

Defending freedom
Defending liberty
Defending peace
At home and abroad

For the past, present, and future generations
Duty will always be an honorable citation
To stand the ground that freedom upholds
To endure engagements however they unfold

Defending freedom
Defending liberty
Defending peace
At home and abroad

For those MIA'S, POW'S
Fallen soldiers who gave all they could
We will search for as long as it takes
You're not forgotten and will always be

In our hearts
In our prayers
In our minds
For all time

These immortalized soldiers whose bravery abounds
They're sisters, brothers, heroes profound
They enlisted for the duty at hand
To serve the cause of country and land

They serve with honor
They serve with valor
They serve with a pride
That will change them forever

To our forces standing tall and proud they be
Our country's behind them in a solemn sea
So let the flags of freedom fly
Unfurled in their majesty high

In the sun
In the rain
In the wind
Across this land

These are the things our country's made of
These are the things that we cherish and love
So let the flags of freedom fly
Unfurled in their majesty high

In the sun
In the rain
In the winds
Across this land

In the sun
In the rain
In the winds
For all time

Jerry Calow  ©Copyright 2003

Some 30+ years ago, Jerry was up to be drafted for the war in Vietnam, as were many other young men, but he drew a high draft lottery number and didn't have to go. Today however, as a husband and the father of three grown children, Jerry feels he has a debt to pay for those who did go – and so he honors them to the best of his ability as a late-coming songwriter who was awakened by the 9/11 attack on our nation. He prays that his lyrics and musical rendition can do some good. Even if the song only touches one soul, then he considers himself to be blessed.

Jerry has given me permission to use his beautiful and meaningful song. I'm sure many will be touched by his very special words to and for our young men and women who are serving our country today.  We owe them all our deepest respect and gratefulness for their service, and thank you Jerry, for your powerful and moving song.