Coming Home

After many months of fighting
After many battles won and lost
Our time here is finally over
Yet you ask was it worth the cost

Is there really a price on freedom
Can you actually tell me true
What does that price tag read
On the freedom we've given to you

You say we shouldn't have gone
We had no right to interfere
But when fellow humans need help
Tell me, the help is to come from where

You may think whatever you will
That is your American right
But things may be shades of gray
Instead of just black and white

After being gone for so very long
I finally walk on American ground
I kneel and kiss the dirt under my feet
Then stand so very straight and proud

The jeers and insults hurled at my head
Will never bring me any shame
For I know when returning from Vietnam
My father was treated the same

I feel a bit of righteous anger
At these citizens who don't understand
That we were just doing our duty
We were making a united stand

I think to myself what right do they have
To call me names, spit curses at me
But then I remember my uniform
They can because I helped make them free

Walking through that protesting line
My shoulders never once did bend
For through that line of fellow Americans
I see what's waiting at the end

A little girl and a taller little boy
Each holding our red, white, and blue
They proudly wave the flags toward me
As they yell out "Daddy, we love you"

This is why I fought for my country
Why I went away for so long
It's because I love all Americans
And how can that be called wrong

I willingly left my family, my home
And went to a strange and foreign land
Not knowing whether I'd ever return
Or that I'd again hold my children's hands

Now tell me again why what we do is wrong
As you enjoy the freedoms we gave you all
Tell my friend his death was all for naught
Tell my brothers as you watch them fall

No matter what you may think of me
I will take it all in stride
For I am a Soldier of America
I will forever fly my colors with pride