Dear Lord, As the sun sets on another day, Glowing softly in the west, Please set a special place aside for our wonderful country's best. For the selfless men and women who knowingly give their all... Who stand guard 'round our banner...and shall never let it fall. They leave behind both spouse and child to protect and preserve our land, They leave behind both hearth and home in service great and grand. They endure heartache and hardship for an occasional word from home, They endure sharp criticisms, and they often feel alone. But Lord, please touch their souls tonight, somehow let them know we care, That we're standing right behind them, even when they're "Over There". And Lord if they're wet and cold in the darkness of a wild and rolling sea, Or sweltering in the desert sands, and waiting patiently... If they're soaring through the silver clouds, or standing guard out in the rain, If they're laughing, living, loving...or in quiet, heartfelt pain. Please, Lord tonight embrace them, Soldiers, Sailors one and all, For they dearly love their country, and they daily give their all For the young airman away from home, for the first time in his life, And the officer far away, from his children and his wife. To the women dressed in olive drab instead of skirts or jeans, Because when you say "Patriot"...they can tell you what it means. And Lord, if before this night is through, Heaven's Gate should open wide, And a soldier, airman, sailor or marine should step inside, If he straightens to attention with a clicking of his boot, And proudly states his presence with a textbook sharp salute, Embrace him, Lord...and love him...in Your great and perfect way For he was one of the best, dear Lord...the Pride of the USA.