It is the Soldier

by Father Dennis Edward O'Brien USMC

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 demonstrate

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

It is the soldier,
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves under the flag,
Whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protesters to burn the flag.

And might I add-

It is the soldier
Who has given us freedom of religion
And the right to vote

Thanks to all the veterans this Veteran's Day!