Many a man has told the tale
Of Mother's love that will never fail;
All men love her and proudly boast,
But a soldier's Mother is loved the most.

"Be good, Sonny," were the words she said;
And with tear-soaked eyes I turned my head
And said to myself, "How could any lad
Betray a wish like that by doing bad?"

Temptations come and yes, we yield,
But in our hearts there lies concealed
This feeling, "I did it before I thought
The harm to Mother it might have brought."

Friends may come and friends may go,
But always there's one friend we know
Will be waiting there when the fighting's done
Saying, "Welcome home; I love you, Son."

That makes fighting seem worthwhile —
To protect from harm a Mother's smile;
And except, of course, in God above
Our greatest faith is in Mothers love.