Honoring Our Veterans

Gary L. Bauer

Communities across the country will honor our veterans this weekend. Please take a moment to tell your children and grandchildren about the sacrifices made to ensure that we remain free. There is a poem you have likely seen before, but I want to share it with you again, because it summarizes well what we owe our veterans.

It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given you freedom of religion.
It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given you freedom of the press.
It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given you freedom of speech.
It is the veteran, not the protester, who has given you freedom to assemble.
It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given you the right to a fair trial.
It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given you the right to vote.
It is the veteran, who salutes the Flag, who serves under the Flag, whose coffin is draped by the Flag.

To the millions who have always been there to stop the tyrant, protect the weak, and preserve the peace -- we have not forgotten you. A grateful nation thanks God for giving us men and women like you.

If you would like to send a message of thanks to our troops, click here.