The following piece made its way into my inbox this weekend. While there are many Memorial Day tributes floating around the Internet, I particularly liked these simple words. They remind us that, at the foundation of the many gifts we enjoy in this country, are the commitment and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. Kind of makes you think, doesn’t it? What would this country look like if we didn’t have people willing to protect these freedoms throughout our history?

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.

Let us join all the preachers, reporters, poets, campus organizers, lawyers, and politicians in giving thanks on this Memorial Day