Perhaps this is jingoistic but I am beholden to my Muse. She helps me pour my thoughts on to the page and makes me feel like I have accomplished something. I found the above picture inspiring if not also sad.

I Never Kneeled

1776 was when I first made a stand...
A General named George Washington wanted freedom for his land...
Though we were outnumbered by the redcoats on the field!
I pledged my life for freedom... and you know I never kneeled!

When 1812 came calling, I answered with my pride
though this was a time of war where many soldiers died..
Fort McHenry won the day with resolve made out of steel
This war was fought for freedom... and you know I never kneeled!

And I then told Santa Ana that we always would be free
no matter the blood and sacrifice on land or air or sea!
You have my eternal vigilance and sacrifice in war!
There is a new day dawning where we're chained as slaves no more!

In '61 there came a call; the union split in twain!
Where kith and kin opposed each other on a battle plain!
The foul crack of Minie ball, the wounded screams they pealed...
but even on the desolate land, you know I never kneeled!

When Europe drowned in blood and strife , I again answered the call...
freedom was in danger now and I couldn't let it fall.
We fought the hordes from Argonne... to the place called St. Mihiel..
While many of us fell.. you know that I never kneeled.

You have your food and plenty and your hearthfire is warm..
this is only because I donned a uniform!
A contract that calls for sacrifice  (and could include my life)
But I'll be there to heed the call amidst the war and strife!

WW 2 exploded with violence yet again!
There appeared to be no end of hate from men unto a man!
I marched into the maelstrom though my mind it reeled...
I had no other choice but to win the day.. and you know I never kneeled!

I appeared at Inchon and by Yalu I did freeze
It seemed that thirst for sacrifice would never be appeased!
But I was part of a bigger thing no matter how I feel
I'll protect the shrine of liberty.. and you know I never kneeled!

When you hoist an ale tankard and use your barbecue!
I hope that you'll remember me and then pay me my due!
The only time I kneeled was with a rifle in my hand!
I'll protect this country even when you fail to understand!

9/11 brought terror and another bout of war
But the Class C's they were donned though violence we abhorred
We battled a hateful enemy whose religion is surreal...
But I kept my pledge to the USA; you know I never kneeled!

You can kneel for our anthem; you are guaranteed that right...
It was earned by such as I who perished in a fight!
And though I lay in death's repose I not once did yield!
Why don't you reconsider.. because I never kneeled!

And now they kneel in protest as anger scars this land!
It's a mockery of those who died and those who took a stand
There was another Colin and a General he became...
If you see no opportunity here... you're the only one to blame...

A Jaded Lyricist