I received the following in an e-mail today, and thought it an appropriate reminder to remember on Memorial Day.

“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.”

Irene Anderson

Albert Lea

Editor’s note: Thank you. As far as we can tell, the author of the “It is the Veteran” poem is unknown.