In far off Afghanistan, a patrol wends its way
down a dusty road where danger lies
beneath the soil and clay
while flying the maple leaf

Soldiers enclosed in armored scout
eyes scanning for ambush, hidden bombs
deadly threats to take them out
while flying the maple leaf

Suddenly a flash of light, a deafening explosive roar
the crack of weapons, the scout car overturned
smoking, rent and tore
while flying the maple leaf

Return fire echoes as men cry in pain
the dead lie quietly still and blood in rivulets runs
down the wrecked scout’s frame
while flying the maple leaf

Gunfire fades as the enemy slips away
so guard is set as wounds are bound
two of our soldiers died this day
while flying the maple leaf

We mourn our sons returning home so pale and cold
curbside and overpass from landing field, to journey’s end
Canadians line the road
while flying the maple leaf

Rendering honors to those who fell defending our belief
for freedom’s cause in far off Afghanistan
salutes and tears, hands on hearts in grief
while flying the maple leaf

Our native sons stand on guard in peacetime and in war
Between foe and foe
Oh Canada, we stand on guard, ever at the fore
while flying the maple leaf