Re-posted and revised, with a nod to more recent martial matters.

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Young man - mark them marching by,

Their medals catch the light;

Look - and hold your head up high,

You'll see no finer sight.

 

Old men passing in their pride

Were once as young as you,

And sometimes watched as comrades died

With nothing they could do.

 

Should one chance to catch your eye

Young man, don't look away;

For your tomorrow - live or die

They offered their today.

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