One starry night on Okinawa, br Guns and men were still; br A young Marine was standing duty br On a lonely hill. br br The battle ever carries on.... br Two months it's been by now.... br All dead exceeding ninety thousand; br And he wondered how.... br How all the slaughter could continue br Under God's domain? br How long are minds of men expected br To endure the pain? br br First Saipan.... Iwo Jima next, br He'd seen his buddies fall.... br And, now again, on Okinawa.... br No let up at all. br And was there any reason why br 'Twas them instead of him? br Perhaps a reason, somewhat subtle.... br More than just a whim. br br On that occasion, then, he wondered br Why he felt so odd.... br He had a realization.... br As he felt the hand of God. br br A vow was made that night in June br Of nineteen forty five: br A vow to God by that Marine.... br If he got home alive: br He'd make a contribution felt br Among his fellow man. br He'd work to serve his country well, br According to God's plan. br br It's forty years, now since the vow br Was made that night in June.... br From his career in Government br He'll be retiring soon. br br As people come to know him, br They may speculate on how.... br He made a contribution.... and.... br If he has kept his vow. br br br (June 1985, Falls Church, Virginia)br br Frank V.