On Tuesday, this nation will pause to honor our veterans –those men and women who have served, or are now serving, our greatcountry in its military.

Just the other day, someone gave us a small slip of paper. Thisis what was written on it:

FREEDOM

It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom ofreligion.

It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom ofthe press.

It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom ofspeech.

It is the veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given usthe freedom to assemble.

It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right toa fair trial.

It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given us theright to vote.

It is the veteran who salutes the flag, who serves under theflag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.

God bless our veterans.