(A lone snare cadence begins.
A bugle plays a solemn call.
An American flag waves as electric guitar slowly rises.)
Spoken:
"Today, we honor the ones who answered the call.
The ones who served our country.
The ones who protect our communities.
The ones who made the ultimate sacrifice.
From the Honor Guard American Legion Post Three Eighteen…
This one's for you."
When the morning breaks across this land,
There's a hero somewhere making a stand.
Some wear the uniform, some wear the badge,
Some run toward danger when the world turns bad.
Some left their homes for a distant shore,
Some gave their lives so we'd have something more.
And some still carry wounds we cannot see,
But they paid a price for you and me.
So raise that flag up to the sky,
Remember those who stood and died.
To every hero, near and far,
You are the reason for the flag we are.
Thank you for your service! Thank you for your fight!
Thank you for protecting our freedom and our rights!
For the hands that served, for the lives you saved,
For the flag you honored and the price you paid!
From American Legion Post Three Eighteen,
We stand together, proud and strong!
Thank you for your service!
You'll never stand alone!
Army soldiers standing proud and tall,
Navy sailors answering the ocean's call.
Marines who stand when the battle draws near,
Air Force warriors who guard us from the air.
Coast Guard guardians on the rolling sea,
Space Force defenders watching over you and me.
Active duty, veterans, all who served,
You gave this nation more than words.
From battlefields to skies above,
You served with courage, strength, and love.
And whether you came home yesterday or years ago,
This country owes you more than you'll ever know.
Thank you for your service! Thank you for your fight!
Thank you for protecting our freedom and our rights!
For the hands that served, for the lives you saved,
For the flag you honored and the price you paid!
From American Legion Post Three Eighteen,
We stand together, proud and strong!
Thank you for your service!
You'll never stand alone!
Firefighters running straight into the flame,
Police officers answering danger's name.
Sheriffs on the highways, keeping watch at night,
EMTs and paramedics fighting for a life.
Dispatchers sending help when every second counts,
First responders answering every call that sounds.
You face the danger others turn away,
And bring hope to someone on their darkest day.
From city streets to country roads,
You shoulder burdens few will ever know.
And when the call comes in, you're standing there,
A promise of courage, a sign that someone cares.
(The lead vocal becomes quieter and more emotional.)
We fold the flag with steady hands,
We honor the fallen across this land.
We sound Taps softly beneath the sky,
And promise their sacrifice will never die.
We place that flag in a family's arms,
Remembering the courage, remembering the harm.
To every spouse, every child, every tear,
Your loved one's service will always be held dear.
(A pause. One snare beat.)
And to the veteran who's struggling today,
You're not forgotten. We're here to help you find your way.
(Military snare cadence. The band holds back.)
We stand at attention.
We present the colors.
We render honors to the fallen.
We remember every name.
From the Honor Guard of American Legion Post Three Eighteen,
We carry the flag, we honor the brave.
As The Honor Guard, we stand beside those who served,
With respect, compassion, and the help they deserve.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! LET THE WHOLE WORLD HEAR!
For your courage and sacrifice, year after year!
Every branch, every badge, every hand that saves,
We honor the living and remember the brave!
American Legion Post Three Eighteen,
With the red, white, and blue held high!
We'll stand beside our heroes,
And keep their memories alive!
Thank you for your service!
Let freedom ring tonight!
Thank you for your service!
You are America's pride!
(Choir repeats: "America's pride! America's pride!")
(The band fades. A bugle plays a solemn closing phrase.)
Spoken, with sincerity:
"From the American Legion Post Three Eighteen Honor Guard…
To the Army,
Navy, Marine Corps,
Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
To every veteran and active-duty service member.
To every police officer, sheriff, firefighter, EMT, paramedic, and first responder.
To the families who stand behind them, and to the heroes who never made it home…
We salute you.
We honor you.
And we will never forget you.
Thank you for your service."
