Kenny Ray Horton: Music

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September 8th, 2001 - I took a flight from Chicago O'Hare to Norfolk, Virginia. Three days later, in Henley's words, the end of the innocence. I was watching sailors, soldiers, marines and airmen saying goodbye. It didn't matter whether it was on TV, at the airport or at the docks, it remained a painful sight. Those children who cannot understand what is happening having to suffer without a parent, possibly never to see them again. I have a two year old daughter and the thought of her hurting from not being able to see me or her mother hurts me past my heart. Maybe one of those kids that cried for their parent at the docks and the airports will hear this song someday and come to understand.

VERSE 1
I went to school where we still pledged alliegance
To every flag that hung in every classroom we had
And I was raised stick to what I believe in do what's right
I learned all of that from my Dad
And Momma said sonny say your prayers now
And I'm allowed to worship whomever I like
So I thank God for all the people who do their jobs
And work so hard to give me that right

CHORUS
There's men and women sailing cross oceans
Soldiers marching in constant motion
People totally devoted (Just to protect us all)
Families having to wave goodbye
Tears of love and hope in their eyes
People out there giving their lives
(Just to protect us all)

VERSE 2
May you never know the pain that sailors feelin'
Or that soldier as his little boy cries, "Daddy don't leave!"
It's the sweet words you whisper when you hold me close
There's a pilot waiting on his midnoght sortie Marine that's standing watch
So we can lay our heads down to sleep
Say a prayer for those who chose to be there
Our protectors, defenders of our way of life
Red, white, and blue we'll keep Old Glory flying
American pride, that is one thing that will never die because

BRIDGE
Say a prayer for those who died to be free
Cause there's never been a freedom that we got for free