Happy Memorial Day

I first read this in the letters to the editor of the Austin Chronicle, of all places.

I'll keep it in mind as I enjoy my three day weekend.

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,
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.”

Attributed to Father Dennis Edward O'Brien