BY CHOICE

they stand watch in all kinds of weather, honoring the unknown
with fixed bayonets they stand all alone
they spend hours in front of a mirror, grooming to perfection
burning the threads and buffing their shoes, for inspection
with the hopes that it meets the highest quality, their standard
which is required to stand watch over this lands pampered
they walk back and forth 21 steps at a time
several clicks at the end, every time
they switch shoulders with their weapon and start again down the line
so regimented and flawless all of the time
they do it BY CHOICE

they stand at attention when the casket goes by
they snap that salute above their right eye
they hold onto the flag draped coffin with reverence
and place it among the mourners in their presence
they fold that flag with diligence and honor
and walk slowly and stoutly and do not flounder
they present it to the family who sits there in amazement
as the jets fly by with one missing from its arrangement
they do it BY CHOICE

they stand guard in a far country of wind and sand
with a gun and some night gear close at hand
they say I'll protect you while you sleep
don't worry about me, I won't be meek
I'm strong and young and can do the job right
just as our fathers did when they fought the fight
morning comes and everyone wakes
the soldier is still marching for heaven sakes
they do it BY CHOICE

it may require us to give up our lives
for Freedom and Liberty is the main cry
our forefathers wrote about it in the declaration
that we pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor
this doesn't come cheap or is given away
someone has to do it, BY CHOICE I pray