Do not let wounded pride make purpose dim,
Remember those who served through wounds and years;
The strength you claim was never forged by him—
It rose through shared travail, sweat, and tears.

Speak every grievance; let its truth be plain,
Yet do not let one slight divide the whole;
Shared hardship asks that each bear shared strain,
And loyalty must govern pride’s control.

The old have paid in wounds, in years, in fears;
The new may fear that welcome means their fall;
Yet honor shared can quiet status fears,
No member rises if he leaves the wall.

Ask not, “What am I owed?” Ask, “What build we?”
Stand kin again, and make the whole team free.