When the postman delivered a letter

It filled her dear heart full of joy

But she didn't know 'til she read the inside

It was the last one from her darling boy.

"Dear Mom" was the way that it started

"I miss you so much," it went on

"Mom, I didn't know that I loved you so

But I'll prove it when this war is won."

"I'm writing this down in a trench, Mom

Don't scold if it isn't so neat

You know, as you did when I was a kid

And I'd come home with mud on my feet."

"The captain just gave us our orders

And Mom, we will carry them through.

I'll finish this letter the first chance I get

But now I'll just say I love you."

Then the mother's old hands began to tremble

And she fought against tears in her eyes

But they came unashamed, for there was no name

And she knew that her darling had died.

That night as she knelt by her bedside

She prayed, "God above, hear my plea

And protect all the sons who are fighting tonight

And dear God, keep America free."