When the postman delivered the letter   Well, it filled her old heart full of joy   But she didn't know 'til she read the inside   It was the last one from her darling boy      "Dear Mom," was the way that it started   "I miss you so much," it went on   "And Mom, I didn't know that I loved you so   But I'll prove it when this war is won"      "I'm writing this down in a trench, Mom   So don't scold if it isn't so neat   For you know as you did when I was a kid   And would come home with mud on my feet"      "Well, the captain just gave us our orders   And Mom, we will carry them through   I'll finish this letter the first chance I get   But for now I'll just say I love you"      Then the mother's old hands began to tremble   As she fought against tears in her eyes   For they came unashamed, there was no name   And she knew that her darlin' had died      That night as she knelt down by her bedside   She prayed, "Lord above, hear my plea   Protect all the sons who are fighting tonight   And dear God, keep America free"