A Military Child Manifesto
Here’s to the brave Military Child
Who prepares for yet another new school
It’s his fourth new mascot and principal in three years
He takes a deep breath with a stoic veneer
Here’s to the strong Military Child
His mom is leaving for three months of training
He helps her with a smile as each item is packed
Knowing that time will drag on until she’s back
Here’s to the lonely Military Child
Wondering wistfully as she gazes at her class
Her birthday is coming but she hardly knows
A friend to invite and watch the candles she blows
Here’s to the valiant Military Child
Who snuggles into bed with an ache deep inside
Who hugs that daddy doll so tightly each night
And whispers tender prayers of safety for the fight
Here’s to the resilient Military Child
No one asked what her thoughts were on that!
So she bounces and stretches and springs into place
She makes peace of this life with incredible grace
Here’s to the adventurous Military Child
Who jibbers and jabbers of places far, far away
And points confidently on a map to show what he knows
Like Djibouti or Bahrain or lovely Bordeaux
Here’s to the spirited Military Child
Who by age three has learned an unfailing truth
That the military has no sense of time and will not debate
So he learned to: Hurry up and wait. Hurry up and wait.
Here’s to the proud Military Child
Who sings battle songs and cadences while they march
With a voice so sweet she melts hearts down the street
Until you hear words that might shock and are not always discreet!
Here’s to the loyal Military Child
Who dutifully stops everyday for the flag as reveille plays
Who salutes with admiration at sunrise and sundown
And Retreat sounds reverently and stops the whole town
Here’s to the astounding Military Child
Whose resolve is inconceivable, preposterous, unbelievable!
When Uncle Sam calls a mom or a dad to get up and go
The Military Child forever indomitable follows in tow
For a free printable of this special poem for our military kids, go here for the full color version or here for the white background. Send it to a special military child in your life!
Author’s note: A very special thanks to Caroline Schafer
