The soldiers trooped aboard the ship
In a seemingly endless file,
Their youthful banter filling the air,
Faces crinkled with smiles.
 
But behind the smiles and banter
Was the knowledge they were going to war
When this ship completed her journey,
Leaving them on some distant shore.
 
Also present was the nagging thought
That many might never return.
And just how fate would decide this
Led feelings inside to churn.
 
In time the ship is loaded,
Then slowly starts to sail
While observers standing on the pier
See thousands lining her rail.
 
Many looked through glistening eyes
As these young men sailed away,
But whether aboard the ship or the pier,
All would long remember that day.