The Green Beret

Karaoke night at the pub.
Folks were settling down with beers and grub.
Seargent Barry Sadler's Green Beret was up,
and people were ready to raise their cup.
For there's always a toast when the song is done
for heroes, the veterans:: quick break from the fun.

This time it was Tammy who took the floor,
a newbie, one we'd not heard before.
Usually a guy would sing the song,
to some in the crowd, this seemed a bit wrong.
But she changed the words in her stellar voice,
and tears rained, there was no choice.

It started the way the song always does
but then she changed it from the way it was...
Back at home, this young wife waits...
My Green Beret has met his fate
He has died for those oppressed
Leaving me his last request

Put silver wings on our son's chest
Make him one of America's best
He'll be a man they'll test one day
Have him win the Green Beret
The crowd was on its feet, glasses high
and none were ashamed to swipe at an eye.

'I received an email today,' she said,
'from my son who knew why his father was dead.
On this anniversary of that day long ago,
He's won his beret, and I wanted you to know.'
The cheering went on, there was pride in that room
and I'm sure a glowing in an Arlington tomb.

I'll never hear that song sung again
without remembering that day when
a young soldier won his green beret,
another troop fighting for the US of A.
With silver wings and a heart of gold--
a special moment that will never get old.



October 19th, 2001 And yes: 100% true
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kj9qv6rmG8