THE FINAL INSPECTION
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The soldier stood and faced God, Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, you soldier, How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek, to My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns, can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny, That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place, among the people here.
They never wanted me around, except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much, but if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne, where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly, for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you soldier, you've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, you've done your time in Hell."
~ Author Unknown ~
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Major Timothy Moroney. Stand easy, your duty is done.
Major Tim Moroney (decd.)
11.11.48 - 30.10.2020
Tim joined the RSL is 1969 whilst serving in the army, just after he returned from active service in Vietnam.
Throughout his life, he was always passionate about helping other veterans and seeing them transition back into civilian life well.
For 15 years he was an active member of the Queensland RSL, and drew on his experience as an entertainer, when he spent time presenting at schools around South East Queensland, about Anzac and Remembrance Days. He was President of the Goodna RSL Sub-Branch.
Spanning 34 years, Tim’s service began on the 3rd of August, 1966. His active service includes Vietnam and the battle of Coral/Balmoral. He was promoted from Private through to Warrant Officer Class One by age 31, then later commissioned to the rank of Captain, where he commanded several logistics units. He was promoted to Major in 1994, before reluctantly retiring in 2000 due to ill health.
His Grandfather was British army from the late 1800’s to 1925 and served in Ireland Trooping the Colours. Prior to WWI he served in India, before landing in the trenches of France, on his way home when the War broke out, decorated for bravery on two occasions. Tim’s other Grandfather and two great uncles served with the Australian Light Horse, and his father served in the army during WWII.
Tim loved this meaningful and beautiful story, was proud to have contributed to the production of ‘Remember’, and to have been involved in sharing this book with the world.
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'Tim will be sadly missed by many, including me, who was blessed to have known him, and to have called him my friend.' - J.E. Miller
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