It's the Soldier

On this Memorial Day, let us remember and contemplate the wise counsel of Father O'Brien:


It's the soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It's the soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It's the soldier, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to demonstrate.

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

And it's the soldier who salutes the flag,
who serves the flag,whose coffin is draped in the flag,
that allows the protester to burn the flag.

Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USN Chaplain Corps

On this Memorial Day, give some thought to the freedoms you have. Freedoms that are paid for by the sacrifice and dedication of the warriors that defend them with their lives. Freedoms you take for granted in this great nation. Be grateful to those that serve, and respectful of their sacrifices. They don't ask for it, but they most assuredly deserve it. And never forget the freedoms you enjoy aren't your's to give away; they were earned by the blood of your forefathers and given over to your stewardship to be passed on to the next generation, in as good or better condition than they were when you received them.

Scottie