Memorial Day: A Time to Remember and Honor

Memorial Day is when we pause to remember.

Below is a remembrance of that brave group of men and women who made so much possible for us. We hope you will share it with your family and friends. Please feel free to print or make copies for personal sharing. It was very fortunate that the author of this letter has given written permission to print this poem.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend. But do pause to remember.

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.

Copyright 1970, 2005 Charles M. Province