Proud to Serve

I recall the blood the screams at Verdun

and I recall the smoke the sounds of the guns

but my strongest memory is of a man of steel

who's heart was as big as his courage was real

I could see in his eyes, a hunger burning bright

he restored the pride and banished the guilt

layed the foundation on which empires are built

Even after that defeat, he never bowed his head

vowed to reclaim the 'fatherland' for the valiant dead

from the Burgerbraukeller in Munich to his Landsverg cell

I never saw him falter, I am so proud to tell

I was there at the start, I pledged to be here at the end

not only as my duty but as a loyal friend

I stood proudly by your side during the great victories

and I was there when we turned East, alas it wasn't to be

I left your side just once in my flight for peace

but how could I have known, death was my only release

46 years spent alone, I still served you at the end

for you you were my leader and I your loyalest friend