To the father, the mother
The sister, the brother
The friend, the lover
That never came home.

  It is hard to remember you properly
As I never knew your name.
'Course you didn’t know me either
But you fought for me just the same.

I hope you don’t think I’m rude
If I throw a barbeque
To celebrate the life I live
Because of soldiers just like you.

  Your service gives me sanctuary
Your sacrifice brings me hope
That our way of life is forever safe
Though evil is also afloat.

For as long as soldiers like you
Will die for nobodies like me
The world will be a better place
For democracy to be. 

Your country is your legacy
Its people are your voice
I pray we make you proud
Though I feel we have no choice.

It’s the least we can do.

For the father, the mother
The sister, the brother
The friend, the lover
That never came home.

We cannot replace you.
We will not erase you.

Your death will have meaning.

I promise.