Civilian in Peace, Soldier in War...of security and honor, for three centuries I have been the custodian, I am the Guard.
I was with Washington in the dim forests, fought the wily warrior, and watched the dark night bow to the morning. At Concord's bridge, I fired the fateful shot heard 'round the world. I bled on Bunker Hill. My footprints marked the snows at Valley Forge. I pulled a muffled oar on the barge that bridged the icy Delaware. I stood with Washington on the sun-drenched heights of Yorktown. I saw the sword surrendered...I am the Guard.
I pulled the trigger that loosed the long rifle's havoc at New Orleans. These things I knew -- I was there! I saw both sides of the War between the States -- I was there! The hill at San Juan felt the fury of my charge. The far plains and mountains of the Philippines echoed to my shout...On the Mexican border I stood...I am the Guard.
The dark forest of the Argonne blazed with my barrage. Chateau Thierry crumbled to my cannonade. Under the arches of victory I marched in legion -- I was there! I am the Guard. I bowed briefly on the grim Corregidor, the saw the light of liberation shine on the faces of my comrades. Through the jungle and on the beaches, I fought the enemy, beat, battered and broke him. I raised our banner to the serene air on Okinawa -- I scrambled over Normandy's beaches -- I was there!...I am the Guard.
Across the 38th Parallel I made my stand. I flew MIG Alley -- I was there!...I am the Guard.
Soldier in war, civilian in peace...I am the Guard.
I was at Johnstown, where the raging waters boomed down the valley. I cradled the crying child in my arms and saw the terror leave her eyes. I moved through smoke and flame at Texas City. The stricken knew the comfort of my skill. I dropped the food that fed the starving beast on the frozen fields of the west and through the towering drifts I ploughed to rescue the marooned. I have faced forward to the tornado, the typhoon, and the horror of the hurricane and flood -- these things I know -- I was there!...I am the Guard.
I have brought a more abundant, a fuller, a finer life to our youth. Wherever a strong arm and valiant spirit must defend the Nation, in peace or war, wherever a child cries, or a woman weeps in time of disaster, there I stand...I am the Guard.
For three centuries a soldier in war, a civilian in peace -- of security and honor, I am the custodian, now and forever...I am the Guard.