Thoughts for Memorial Day

A friend emailed this oldie but goodie for Memorial Day [UPDATED: typos fixed and author cited]

It is the 

SOLDIER, not the 

preacher, 

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 assemble.

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 beneath the flag,

and whose coffin is draped by the flag,

who allows the protester to burn the flag.

It is the 

SOLDIER 

who serves under the Flag,

and whose coffin is draped by the flag,

who allows the protester to burn the flag.

- Charles M. Province

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.