It is the Soldier

(By Charles Michael Province)

It is the Soldier, not the minister,
Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the Soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us freedom to demonstrate.

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Soldier
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves under the flag,
Whose coffin is draped in the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

Have a pleasant and reflective memorial day and take a moment to salute the soldiers who died for our freedom