For Military Mothers: The Boy Enlists
Our son David just finished a six-week officer training program at Fort Sam Houston, and we drove down to San Antonio last weekend for his graduation.
Seeing all those young men and women in uniform, reciting the Soldier’s Creed and singing the Army Anthem, really stirred this mother’s heart.
It also called to mind the following poem by Edgar Albert Guest. If you have a child in any branch of the military, I imagine these words will resonate with you, as well:
The Boy Enlists
by Edgar Albert Guest
His mother’s eyes are saddened, and her cheeks are stained with tears,
And I’m facing now the struggle that I’ve dreaded through the years;
For the boy that was our baby has been changed into a man.
He’s enlisted in the army as a true American.
He held her for a moment in his arms before he spoke,
And I watched him as he kissed her, and it seemed to me I’d choke,
For I knew just what was coming, and I knew just what he’d done!
‘Another little mother had a soldier for a son.
When we’d pulled ourselves together, and the first quick tears had dried,
We could see his eyes were blazing with the fire of manly pride;
We could see his head was higher than it ever was before,
For we had a man to cherish, and our baby was no more.
Oh, I don’t know how to say it! With the sorrow comes the joy
That there isn’t any coward in the make-up of our boy.
And with pride our hearts are swelling, though with grief they’re also hit,
For the boy that was our baby has stepped forth to do his bit.
Isn’t that a terrific poem? To download a printable copy of “The Boy Enlists” (taken from God Bless America, my newest devotional journal), just click on the image below:
Our soldiers need our support. If you know one — and especially if you are the parent of one — remember to thank them for their service!
What a wonderful poem! Our fourth to serve in the military leaves on Tuesday for Army basic training. My husband served in the Marines for almost 26 years, and they’re all following in his footsteps; even our daughter served four years in the Air Force. I’m so thankful for a loving God to watch over them and bring them safely home, either to me or to Him. Thanks for all your support of mothers!
Thankful for a loving God who watches over them and brings them home safely… Amen to that. Please tell your husband and children how much we appreciate their service. I’m glad you liked the poem!
This was an amazing find for me! I’m printing out the poem ASAP. Our oldest son just left for the Army 10 days ago. Infantry. I’m excited for him, ridiculously proud, and also so sad to see him go! Full of emotions!! It’s tough. I just discovered your site recently and am so happy I did. What a blessing! And imagine that you have 1 in the military too-wow! 🙂
Thanks so much, Amy. I understand all those emotions. One of our sons just moved his family to Germany with the army. We miss them so much, but are immeasurably proud of them, too.
How did I miss this reaponse? And 2 months ago too! (Exactly on my Army son’s birthday?) Goodness, Germany! You are so great to be so tough. I’m nervous where my son will be stationed, we find out in 6 days! I try so hard to remain tough & proud, but it’s a challenge sometimes for sure. (Well, not the proud part! ?). Your son is also an amazing person for serving-thank him for us all 🙂
Bless you all
How did I miss this response?! (And you sent it on his birthday too 🙂 ). We just found out a few hours ago our son is stationed in Germany too!! Oh my, what a mix of emotions! Sad, concerned, indescribably proud, excited…you name it! He went from a super tight knit, loving, close homeschooled family to OSUT and now his 1st duty station is patrol in Germany! I don’t even know what to think. I’d love to know how your son gets along, what his days are like. Ours is the only one out of 200 something young men to be sent there. So he’ll be going alone. He’s REALLY looking forward to this new life, but wow this will be a change. I wonder how often he can visit & such. No one we know has any clue, usually the guys are stationed here in the US. How different! So finding this response TODAY after 2 whole months was amazing. Just amazing timing 🙂
That’s great, Amy. Has he left yet? Ours moved over in August. We miss him, but will be traveling over ourselves to see him soon! I’m interested in knowing how often he’ll get to come home. I’m guessing not much, but maybe I’m wrong? Love and prayers sent your way today, as well, that God will comfort you in his absence and keep him safe!
He leaves after Christmas. They’re letting him have Christmas this year since he is going oversees. He’s not certain on details yet, even his location there, but I’m totally wondering how often he can visit too! :). I bet it isn’t often either, but I guess only time will tell. I just wish it wasn’t such a long time ;). (3 year contract). Good luck to you all and thanks for taking the time to do this blog. It’s so beautiful and inspiring. I just went up to reading 3 blogs now & I believe 2 of you possibly read each other’s. Not sure. Ha-Doesn’t matter anyway! Thanks again!
Just a question, where (general area -no personal info!!) David is located? Our son just switched to medic today & I’m wondering if they will cross paths :). Ours is in Hohenfels.
David’s stationed on the other side of Nuremberg, Amy, in Ansbach — so it’s possible.
As an Army Mom I appreciated your post and the poem. We just recently went to San Antonio to see our son be promoted to Sgt. First Class. What a proud moment! After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as a combat medic, he will now be stationed in Hawaii, working in a hospital along with his wife who also served in Iraq as a medic. We are so proud of them and all the young men and women who serve our country. Please share our thanks to your son! God bless!
I’ll do that, Jeanie, and you please convey our gratitude to your son, as well. Hawaii will be a well-deserved break after Iraq and Afghanistan, won’t it?