IT IS THE SOLDIER--------

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 right to demonstrate.

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

It is the soldier, not the pastor, who has given us the right to worship.

It is the soldier, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

It is the soldier, who salutes the flag,

                                        serves under the flag, and

                                       whose coffin is draped by the flag,

                                who gives the protestor the right to burn the flag.

by Charles M. Province, U.S. Army, The Patton Society

Copyright 1970,2010