This Independence Day
Remember
To Whom We are Indebted
For The Very Freedoms
We Hold so Fiercely.

From my perspective:

It is the
VETERAN,
Not the preacher,
Who has
Ensured our freedom of religion.

It is the
VETERAN,
Not the reporter,
Who has
Defended our freedom of the press.

It is the
VETERAN,
Not the poet,
Who has
Guaranteed our freedom of speech.

It is the
VETERAN,
Not the campus organizer,
Who has
Protected our freedom to assemble.


It is the
VETERAN,
Not the lawyer,
Who has
Fixed our right to a fair trial.


It is the
VETERAN,
Not the politician,
Who has
Etched in stone our right to vote.


It is the
VETERAN
Who
Salutes the Flag, with pride and tears.


It is the
Veteran
Who
Serves the Flag, even unto death.


Omnipotent Originator, extant and sublime you are;

Grant Them Eternal Rest,
Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Them,
And let all be venerated
By those who sent them
Afield.