Dear Friends,

We are told that our World War II veterans are passing away at the rate of more than 1,000 per day. Hard to believe? Well, it's true. We need to say thank you before it's too late.

I would like to share with you in our Scrapbook this Veteran's Day, a poem titled, "Just a Common Soldier." I trust that you our readers, especially those who had family or friends to serve in World War II, will find this article as interesting and thoughtprovoking as I did. So far as I know, the author is unknown.

-Jack

Just a Common Soldier He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion telling stories of his past. Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies - they were heroes, every one. And though sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke, All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer, for old Bill has passed away, And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today. He was just a common soldier, and his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us we may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part, Is to clean up all the troubles that others often start. If we cannot give him honor, while he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage, at the ending of his days.

Perhaps a simple notice in the paper that would say, "Our Country is in mourning, 'cause a Soldier passed away."