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.
©Copyright 1970-2005 by Charles M. Province
Isn't this a great poem...Too bad the Asheville Art Board doesn't think so! They are reconsidering a proposal to use it as a memorial wall for our veterans in downtown Asheville. Some residents have complained that it does not represent our military well.
Hmmm...
If it wasn't for the Soldier those residents would not be able to complain.
Amazing how in a New York Public Library, artist can hang "fake mug" shots to defame our country's leaders for everyone to see and even though thousands are upset...they still hang there. However, when a community wants to hang a beautifully written poem to honor our soldiers that fight for our freedoms everyday, it must be considered?
Unbelievable...