Heroes of Legend

The grandfathers came across the tempestuous sea.

They came from England, Scotland and France.

Found hunger in the cold wilderness

because freedom was worth taking the chance.

Blood, sweat, and tears settled this land.

Force and brutality cleared the way.

All they created, and all they destroyed;

an inheritance, for better or worse, til this very day.

Philadelphia was where they declared

a hundred and fifty years later,

their aim to take on the most expert force

sent to keep them under the boot of a dictator.

Soldiers were sent by the thousands,

meant to tame them in King George's name.

A man named Washington rose to the contest

and condemned the Red Coats to shame.

He had the rare gift to compel hearts and minds

to learn his example and follow his lead.

His soldiers would follow, if he took them to hell.

If the General caught a musket ball, they'd bleed.

I believe it's ten thousand wonders

the war for independence was won.

Ninety seven percent of their neighbors were opposed

to the three percent who showed up with guns.

Those boys who answered the call to arms

gave to comfort and safety no thought.

They were sick with the pox, had frost bitten feet,

nearly starving at times, yet they fought.

They never thought the price too high

if their children's freedom was what it was buying

If they rose today, I couldn't look in their eyes.

We don't stand up, we don't bear arms to fight.

HELL! WE'RE NOT EVEN TRYING!