I looked at their faces - every one:
The boys playing soldier in the midday sun.
'Neath that glorious flag they stood straight and tall -
Waiting to respond to their sergeant's next call.
The boot camp was done,
They were tough and lean.
Each was given, a badge of courage:
The emblem of - the U.S. Marine.
I looked at their eyes
With their stares made of wood.
Boys: waiting for moms to hug them and say -
Son, you?ve done really good.
I want to remember them there - every one.
The boys playing soldier in the midday sun.
For the day may soon come,
That the sergeant will call -
"Forward Marines! Kick butt one and all!"
And they will charge up a beach
Where many will fall.
And the rest will run!
Straight up the beach
And into the fight -
To turn the enemy's day
Into his blackest night.
For it's been boys such as these -
That on many a beach,
And 'neath thick jungle trees -
Have vanquished our foes,
So that we remain free.
And now I see them all there in the eye of my mind -
Standing proud and standing tall:
With gleaming brass and shoes highly shined -
Boys playing soldier:
Heroes all.