Wheeling the old warriorsoff the Honor Flight planewith flags and banners,people calling their names. From Chosen to Kabul,from Baghdad to Hue,after all these yearstoday was their day. Oh, the burden they carry,I heard one woman say.I wonder if our childrenwould serve today? But not far offanother plane left,with soldiers and sailors,their solemn duty kept. Nearby, a young wife,two children at her side.It’s the burden she carriesas the plane took flight. And across the seain an ancient land,a lowered steel ramp,a song from a band. A flag-draped coffin.A fallen hero inside.It’s the burden they carried,and they carried it with pride. Emptiness and sorrow,pain and loss.It’s the burden they carry.The unbearable cost. They swore an oathto support and defend.It’s the burden they carriedto the very end. Wheeling the old warriorsoff the Honor Flight planewith flags and banners,people calling their names. From Fallujah to Khe Sanh,from V-E to V-J,after all these yearstoday was their day. A young child wavedas the old men passed.Home to a hero’s welcome.Home at last. It’s a burden they carryfor a day like today.It’s …