I AM THE GUARD

Civilian in Peace.  Soldier in War... of security and honor, for three centuries I have been the custodian.  I am the Guard.

I was with Washington in the dim forests, fought the wily warrior, and watched the dark night bow to the morning.  At Concord's bridge, I fired the fateful shot heard 'round the world.  I bled on Bunker Hill.  My footprints marked the snows at Valley Forge.  I pulled a muffled oar on the barge that bridged the icy Delaware.  I stood with Washington on the sun-drenched heights of Yorktown.  I saw the sword surrendered...  I am the Guard.  I pulled the trigger that loosed the long rifle's havoc at New Orleans.  These things I knew - I was there!  I saw both sides of the War between the States - I was there!  The hill at San Juan felt the fury of my charge.  The far plains and mountains of the Philippines echoed to my shout...  On the Mexican border I stood...  I am the Guard.  The dark forest of the Argonne blazed with barrage.  Chateau Thierry crumbled to my cannonade.  Under the arches of victory I marched in legion - I was there!  I am the Guard.  I bowed briefly on the grim Corregidor, then saw the light of liberation shine on the faces of my comrades.  Through the jungle and on the beaches.  I fought the enemy, beat, battered and broke him.  I raised our banner to the serene air on Okinawa - I scrambled over Normandy's beaches - I was there!  ...I am the Guard.  Across the 38th Parallel I made my stand.  I flew MiG Alley - I was there!  I was at Johnstown, where the raging waters boomed down the valley.  I cradled the crying child in my arms and saw the terror leave her eyes.  I moved through smoke and flame at Texas City.  The stricken knew the comfort of my skill.  I dropped the food that fed the starving beast on the frozen fields of the west and through the towering drifts I ploughed to rescue the marooned.  I have faced forward to the tornado, the typhoon, and the horror of the hurricane and flood - these things I know - I was there!  ...I am the Guard.  I have brought a more abundant, a fuller, a finer life to our youth.  Wherever a strong arm and valiant spirit must defend the Nation, in peace or war, wherever a child cries, or a woman weeps in time of disaster, there I stand...  I am the Guard.  For three centuries a soldier in war, a civilian in peace.