By Donald J. Buzney,
U.S.M.C., 1967-1971

Dear God, 241 men reported for duty today,
Straight from Beirut and harm's way.

A nation mourns in shocked disbelief,
A mother cries, a father weeps.

A young wife stares by the mantle-side,
Through a veil of tears at her marine who died.

Yes we're hurt, and they made us bleed,
This satanic act, this insidious deed.

And a great nation will bow its head,
And with prideful dignity, bid farewell to its dead.

But Americans won't cry defeat,
Because they know their Marines never retreat.

Dear God, these Marines are strong and true,
And they'll stand proud and sharply salute You.

And as they take up positions along heaven's way,
Please pause to give them our love every day.

One day we too will stand alongside you,
On the parade deck as they pass in review.

Until then cherish, as we know you will,
Our gallant young Marines in close order drill.

We can't help but question why,
You sent them orders to report on high.

Parents and wives could feel hatred and rancor,
But that's not the way of the globe and anchor.

These were our sons, a precious gift,
And we nurtured them with love that never quit.

We watched them grow and held them on our knee,
Now in the prime of manhood, we entrust them to Thee.

Guard these young souls whose flame was so brief,
Help us too, to bear our grief.

Parents and wives don't wear olive greens,
Nonetheless, our husbands and sons would want us to be,
good Marines.

We know you'll be there to help us carry on,
And we'll draw solace from beautiful memories of days bygone.

There will still be heartache and pain at every curve,
But in this strife we'll live for life,
and as good marines not lose our nerve

Dear God, we do beg You with fervent refrain,
Don't let our men die in this way again.

Sent as peace-keepers abroad, not intended to fight,
Cut down by a murderous assassin in the dawn's early light.

If others must go forth under the banner of the Corps,
Let them fight as Marines for the mission they trained for.

Shield us from conflict, if You can,
But if there must be a fight, we thank you God,
for these fighting men.

Author's Note: And when they gaze on heaven's scenes, They will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines.
                     --Donald J. Buzney, U.S.M.C., 1967-1971