The Hero Coming Home

His body was clad in his uniform of Captain in the Chinese Navy, and sent home to his mother at Washington, Pennsylvania.

Associated Press.

I lent him to my country, And he wore the Navy blue; I bade him do his duty, And he said he would be true.

It’s home they say you’re coming-- And it’s home you came to me When you wore your first blue jacket At the old Academy. And the neighbors said, “How handsome! What a sailor he will be!” But I only drew him closer In my coddling mother’s joy, And said, “Well, what’s a sailor? He’s my brave boy!”

And then they told the story Of his courage in the fight-- How he ruled a heathen war-ship And fought it with his might.

It’s home he wrote his mother When the smoke had cleared away: “I can see--so don’t you worry-- Though I’m riddled by the fray.” And the neighbors said, “How glorious! What a Hero is your son! The world is all a-talking Of the battle that he won!” I said, “Well, what’s a Hero? He’s my brave son!”

And now to me he’s coming, And he wears a Captain’s bars; It’s a foreign nation’s uniform, But wrapped in Stripes and Stars.

It’s home at last you’re coming, And it’s home at last to me. You’re a hero and immortal, And you fought to make men free. But your heart is cold within you And your dear eyes cannot see! They say, “Be strong, O mother; Proud laurels crown his head!” Alas, what’s left of glory? My boy, my boy is dead!