Today is Veteran’s Day, when America salutes those who put on the uniform, pick up the rifle, fly the planes, sail the ships, and so much more. In decades past when conscription was ongoing, everyone was touched in some way by the military. Today, a small minority of our fellow citizens defend the whole. They do what we either cannot or will not. In ages past or the present, I today, as in all days, honor those who stand upon the wall. Paraphrasing George Orwell’s quote, “I sleep peaceably in my bed at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on my behalf.”

It is only fitting that I include the poem of Charles Michael Province. Its truth does not fade with time nor in intensity.

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.

*This picture is of my father before he left for Vietnam. Of my immediate family members, I would like to honor today my father (US Army) and my eldest brother, John (US Navy). Thank you.