"MESSAGE TO THE FREE"

by Sp/4 Anthony J. Anzalone /1967
(1)  
Here I sit in a land unknown,   
Thinking of a place far away, called home.   
A place I cherish and love so dear,   
A place now troubled with so much fear.  
For I hear of big marches and troubles of our times,    
And of hippies and weirdoes, and long sit-in lines.  
You people don't know, the impression your giving,   
Aren't you happy, within the country you're living ?  
(2)  
You riot and rave, then run out of sight,  
And when everything's over, you still want to fight.  
You're tearing up my country, my friends, my morale,  
Then when I come home, you'll call me your pal.  
And what are you fighting for, do you really know ?  
Is it just a new fad, and you feel you must go ?
And what I am going through, you don't really care,  
But lucky for me, it's only a year.  
(3)  
For I am still sitting, in this land so unknown,  
A land so different, from my own.  
A land of war, and terrorist might,
And if you want to live, you'll have to fight.  
Our boys are dying, but do you really care ?  
It's  not your son, so you'll just say a prayer.  
But to us it's worth fighting for, freedom I mean,  
So now maybe your boy, will reach the age of eighteen.  
(4)  
And when he gets drafted, like many of us,  
You'll start to worry, but don't make a fuss.  
He will be in the army, and write you a letter,  
And lf he's like me, it's all for the better.  
He will look in awe of this horrible land,  
Then appreciate little things, like a warm tender hand.  
(5)  
For I have seen how these people exist,  
And when I return, the Free Earth I will kiss.  
So look at these people, and think what you're doing,  
It's Blood Splattered Freedom. THAT YOU ARE UNDOING.  

Note:   
The aprox. date of writing Oct.20,1967

Anthony J. Anzalone served with 114th Assualt Helicopter Co.
Mecong Delta, Vinh-Long, Vietnam 1967 1968
Helicopter Crew Chief "Gold Knight" <6600902>and "RED Knights")

Reprinted in local newspapers in Nov.1967 Smithtown, N.Y.
acknowledged in writing by Pres. L.B.Johnson


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