Major Ted it has been said

You are set deep in your ways

With legendary stubbornness

Your opinion rarely sways

You’ve lived the worst mankind can sling

That alone says where you’ve been

Yet you’ve managed to contain it all

To somewhere deep within

To say we owe you gratitude

Understates this nation’s debt

And I for one am here to say

That I will not forget

Yeah you’re sometimes cranky

But I’ve not been in your shoes

Though our opinions do not always match

You’ve earned your right to choose

So I wish you Happy Birthday Ted

For the stories that you’ve told

Inside that gruff exterior

Resides a heart of gold

With love and respect, Patrick