"And I'm proud to be an American..."

"...where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died,
Who gave that right to me..."

It is the
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the
VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the
VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the
VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

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

It is the
VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote..

It is the

VETERAN
who salutes the Flag,

It is the
VETERAN
who serves under the Flag,

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM, O LORD,
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON
THEM.

To all who served, and all who gave their lives, and all who carry on,

protecting my life, my family, and my freedom,
a mere "Thank You" will never be enough.

Better said, "May God bless you forever".