"I am the unknown soldier, forgotten and ignored
When once the war is over and peace and quiet assured
We fought for you and the country and now that we are dead
We rest in quiet exclusion, 'cause nothing more is said
Of how we did our duty, that you may sleep in peace
Of how we did our duty, that you may sleep in peace
When once the foe was vanquished, and the strife of war had ceased
The country called upon us to do what needs to be done
To oust the vicious enemy and ensure the war was won
Our near and dear ones blessed us and sent us full of pride
To defend the country's honour and some were new-wed brides
We went and fought your battles, most of which were won
Some of us never came back, all were mother's son
Our bodies they do lie there, on hill and vale and plain
Exposed to all the elements of snow and ice and rain
So many were anxious, some still do wait in vain
What can you do to lessen our loved one's grief and pain?
Our last rites were not given, we died a soldier's death
Our eldest sons kept waiting, their hopes could not be met
We went and did our duty, we do not ask for much
Only a place of honour, our loved one's heart to touch
A place where they can think of happy days gone by
To pray on the lonesome morrow and if need be stand and cry
Although we have left earth's orbit and need rest in peace
Our soul are not past caring, our pain will never cease
Till you and the country's leaders create a haloed space
For a fitting War Memorial, on valour and honour based."
Author: Major General Ian Cardozo
