Rat A - Tat- Tat

Rat a - Tat - Tat; Rat a - Tat- Tat
the drums did roll and beat
the men in their uniforms how they stood
so tall and trim and neat,
by ranks and files and squads they stood
with weapons, packs and flags
the flower of our nation's youth
did march to the drummers' beat.
Rat a - Tat - Tat; Rat a - Tat- Tat
off to the wars they marched
with waves goodbye, and speeches of pride
they marched away while their loved ones cried.
Rat a - Tat - Tat; Rat a - Tat- Tat
While one could question the wisdom of war
no one could doubt the soldier's scars,
war after war they were sent...
and bravely wherever sent - they went.
Rat a - Tat - Tat; Rat a - Tat- Tat
The drums did roll and beat
the men in their uniforms how they stood
so tall and trim and neat,
and off to the wars they marched
to the sound of the drummers' beat.
Rat a - Tat - Tat; Rat a - Tat- Tat
In battles they won to keep us free
but not without a price for victory.
They returned from places with names so strange
but some returned to a different beat,
with a slow roll, slow march - mournful and sad
they brought our loved ones home again.
To a grateful nation they gave their all
without a whimper or complaint they saw it all
and returned from places far away
battered and scarred - but free.
Rat a - Tat - Tat; Rat a - Tat- Tat
Soon the sound of drums were heard
and leaders did call again...
with struts and speeches that sounded so grand
off our youth were sent with a band
Rat a - Tat - Tat; Rat a - Tat- Tat.


Dedicated in loving memory to all who served.