"MESSAGE TO THE FREE"
By
Sp/4 Anthony J. Anzalone /1967

Here I sit in a land unknown,
Thinking of a place far away, called home.
A place I cherish and love so dear,
A place now troubled with so much fear.
For I hear of big marches and troubles of our times,
And of hippies and weirdoes, and long sit-in lines.
You people don't know, the impression your giving,
Aren't you happy, within the country you're living ?
~
You riot and rave, then run out of sight,
And when everything's over, you still want to fight.
You're tearing up my country, my friends, my morale,
Then when I come home, you'll call me your pal.
And what are you fighting for, do you really know ?
Is it just a new fad, and you feel you must go ?
And what I am going through, you don't really care,
But lucky for me, it's only a year.
~
For I am still sitting, in this land so unknown,
A land so different, from my own.
A land of war, and terrorist might,
And if you want to live, you'll have to fight.
Our boys are dying, but do you really care ?
It's not your son, so you'll just say a prayer.
But to us it's worth fighting for, freedom I mean,
So now maybe your boy, will reach the age of eighteen.
~
And when he gets drafted, like many of us,
You'll start to worry, but don't make a fuss.
He will be in the army, and write you a letter,
And if he's like me, it's all for the better.
He will look in awe of this horrible land,
Then appreciate little things, like a warm tender hand.
~
For I have seen how these people exist,
And when I return, the Free Earth I will kiss.
So look at these people, and think what you're doing,
It's Blood Splattered Freedom. THAT YOU ARE UNDOING.

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The approximate date of writing - October 20,1967

Anthony J. Anzalone served with 114th Assault Helicopter Co.
as a Helicopter Crew Chief "Gold Knight" and "Red Knights"

Reprinted in local newspapers in Nov. 1967 Smithtown, N.Y.
acknowledged in writing by Pres. L. B. Johnson