3 Doors Down: Citizen Soldier

For Veterans’ Day, I wanted a song that honored our military. While searching for a fitting song, I remembered seeing a promotional piece utilizing today’s song choice. I first saw this video in 2008 at a meeting where Maj. Gen. John Barnette of the West Virginia National Guard was discussing the many accomplishments of our state guard. Three Doors Down recorded “Citizen Soldier” as a promotional and recruiting tool for the Army National Guard.

While this song extols the virtues of the National Guard, I want to honor all Vets for their service on this US holiday. Veterans’ Day was originally Armistice Day and celebrated the signing of the armistice with Germany ending World War I. The armistice was signed in a rail road car in the Compiègne Forest on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour.

The unit emblem in the video’s section concerning the Normandy Invasion in 1944 is for the Army’s 29th Division. Currently, units from Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and West Virginia serve in this division.

Citizen Soldier

Beyond the boundaries of your city's lights.
Stand the heroes waiting for your cries.
So many times you did not bring this on yourself.
When the moment finally comes, I'll be there to help.

On that day, when you need your brothers and sisters to care. I'll be right here.

Citizen soldiers.
Holding the light of the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
Standing on guard for the ones that we've sheltered.
We'll always be ready because we will always be there.

When there're people crying in the streets
When they're starving for a meal to eat
When they simply need a place to make their beds
Right here underneath my wing you can rest your head

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care I'll be right here

Citizen soldiers.
Holding the light of the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
Standing on guard for the ones that we've sheltered.
We'll always be ready because we will always be there.

Hope and pray that you never need me the rest assured, I will not let you down
I walk beside you but you may not see me
The strongest among you may not were a crown

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care I'll be right here
On that day when you don't have a strength for the burden you bare I'll be right here

Citizen soldiers holding the light of the ones that we guide from the dark of despair
Standing on guard for the ones that need shelter
We'll always be ready because we will always be there