°°••⁝⁝Happy Reading⁝⁝••°°

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We set the table with the finest China
Light the candles for a festive glow
We carve the turkey and pour the wine
But there's an empty seat that we all know

You're not here with us, you're far away
On a mission that we don't understand
You're fighting for our freedom and our peace
But we wish you could be here to hold our hand

We say a prayer for you and all your mates
And thank the Lord for giving us this day
We try to smile and laugh and celebrate
But we can't hide the tears that we betray

We miss you so much, you're our hero and our pride
You're our brother our friend and our guide
We know you're doing what you have to do
But we can't wait for a Thanksgiving with you

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We watch the TV and see the news
The images of war and strife and pain
We wonder if you're there and if you're alright
If you're scared or hurt or going insane

We send you letters and care packages
And hope they reach you in time and good shape
We tell you how we love you and we're proud
But we can't express the fear that we can't escape

We worry about you every day and night
We pray for your safety and your health
We know you're brave and strong and smart and right
But we can't help but feel helpless and overwhelmed

We love you so much, you're our hero and our pride
You're our brother our friend and our guide
We know you're doing what you have to do
But we can't wait for a Thanksgiving with you

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We get a call from you and hear your voice
The sound of joy and relief and gratitude
You tell us how you're doing and you're fine
And how you miss us and you're in a good mood

We talk to you and catch up on things
The stories and the jokes and the events
We laugh with you and cry with you and sing
And feel the bond that nothing can prevent

We cherish every moment that we share
We hang on to every word you say
We know you're busy and you have to go
But we wish you could stay longer and not stray

We love you so much, you're our hero and our pride
You're our brother our friend and our guide
We know you're doing what you have to do
But we can't wait for a Thanksgiving with you

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We get a letter from the army and we freeze
The words of sorrow and regret and grief
We read the news that you're no longer here
You gave your life for us and our belief

We scream and cry and rage and fall apart
We can't accept the truth that you are gone
We feel the loss of you in every heart
And wonder how we can ever carry on

We miss you so much, you're our hero and our pride
You're our brother our friend and our guide
We know you did what you had to do
But we can't bear a Thanksgiving without you

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We gather around the table once again
And light the candles for a solemn glow
We carve the turkey and pour the wine
But there's an empty seat that we all know

You're not here with us, you're in a better place
On a mission that we now understand
You fought for our freedom and our peace
And now you're with the Lord who holds your hand

We say a prayer for you and all your mates
And thank the Lord for giving us your life
We try to smile and laugh and celebrate
But we can't hide the tears that we still rife

We love you so much, you're our hero and our pride
You're our brother our friend and our guide
We know you did what you had to do
But we'll always have a Thanksgiving with you

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-Indonesia, 14112023-