As the years have gone by this decade past, I have often reflected on the many services early 2000’s where I had the honour as a funeral celebrant to witness the inclusion of an RSL returned Soldier’s tribute within a service. Occasionally, I would be able to include the reading of ‘The Final Inspection’, which never failed to ensure a lump in the throat, and a tear down my cheek as I read the words. It has been a while since I had the opportunity to read and share this very special poem, but I will forever be able to reflect on the incredible honour it has been to give recognition to the humble men, and service women, who endured so much. I mention here a special man ‘Arthur’. His story in brief is a common tale:

Born in 1918, Arthur enlisted with the Australian Army in June 1940. By age 23, he was a Japanese Prisoner of war. At 26 the Japanese admitted defeat, and on Melbourne Cup day 1945, he sailed back in to Sydney Harbour. As with many, the experience was not shared in detail, and we can only speculate what those years, aged 23-26, might have been like…

In memory of ‘Arthur’, at whose funeral service I read the following poem:

THE FINAL INSPECTION written by Sgt Joshua Helterbran

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.

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."