Sergeant JT Sanborn: I’m ready to die, James.
Staff Sergeant William James: Well, you’re not gonna die out here, bro.
Sergeant JT Sanborn: Another two inches, shrapnel zings by; slices my throat- I bleed out like a pig in the sand. Nobody’ll give a shit. I mean my parents- they care- but they don’t count, man. Who else? I don’t even have a son.
Staff Sergeant William James: Well, you’re gonna have plenty of time for that, amigo.
Sergeant JT Sanborn: Naw, man. I’m done. I want a son. I want a little boy, Will. I mean, how do you do it, you know? Take the risk?
Staff Sergeant William James: I don’t know. I guess I don’t think about it.
Sergeant JT Sanborn: But you realize every time you suit up, every time we go out, it’s life or death. You roll the dice, and you deal with it. You recognize that don’t you?
Staff Sergeant William James: Yea… Yea, I do. But I don’t know why.
[sighs]
Staff Sergeant William James: I don’t know, JT. You know why I’m the way I am?
Sergeant JT Sanborn: No, I don’t.
-The Hurt Locker
Sum 41 - Walking Disaster

When my tour of duty ended
I began my journey home,
don’t weep that I was leaving
… for I traveled not alone.
At first they looked like shadows
as they stood there in the night
heros standing tall and proud
… it was such a peaceful sight.
They stood there at attention
… they were saluting me
then I heard a voice within the crowd
“Welcome home CPL. Lowry.”
St. Peter stood there at the gate
his arms were open wide.
He said, ” A Marine is always welcome here
God is honored to have you at His side. “
While I fought this freedom fight
for the red, white and blue
I couldn’t help but worry
about what would happen now to you.
Will you know that all my life
you never let me fall …
that no matter what the obstacle,
you demanded I stand tall.
Will you know you were the best Mom
and loved with all my heart.
… I’m sorry that I had to leave
and that we must be apart.
Will you know I haven’t left you
… that my soul will never die,
I’m the brightest star that shimmers bold
in the darkest midnight sky.
Your Marine is safe in heaven Mom
no more worries shall you bear,
place your hand upon your heart
… you will always find me there.
CPL. Conner Lowry
March 1, 2012