My Father was a World War II veteran, like many of his peers he never talked much about his service or the things he’d seen… To him Memorial Day was a day for quiet reflection, for remembering those who had given their full measure, and so it is with me.
It is the Soldier
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 protest.
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.
-Charles M. Province
To every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine… Thank you and may God bless you and keep you safe.