Far Nobler

Far nobler the sword that is nicked and worn;

Far fairer the flag that is grimy and torn

Than when to the battle fresh they were born.

He was tried and found true; he stood the test;

'Neath whirlwinds of doubt, when all the rest

Crouched down and submitted, he fought the best.

There are wounds on his breast that can never be healed;

There are gashes that bleed and may never be sealed,

But, wounded and gashed, he won the field.

And other may dream in their easy chairs;

And point their white hands to the scars he bears;

But the palm and the laurel are his -- not theirs!

-- Author Unknown