IT IS THE SOLDIER

It is the soldier, not the minister,
who has given us the 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 the 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, U.S. Army Veteran,

is the author of this poem, said to hang in

the Pentagon, Arlington, VA, without attribution.

Although there are several variations in circulation,

the above was copyrighted by Mr. Province in 1970.

All faiths, nationalities, ages, genders and even many

not considered able-bodied have given hearts, souls and lives for us, 

for each of us ~ past and present.

Is there one who cannot name a Veteran loved and lost, family or friend?

Say a quiet prayer.  Say thank you.  Remember.

Today.  Every day.  For sadly, this continues.