Memorial Day [Video]

Memorial Day, it's a three day weekend, but more than that, it's a time to honor those who made the supreme sacrifice.

I think this poem from  Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC, is a perfect thing to remember this Memorial Day.

IT’S THE SOLDIER

It's the soldier, not the reporter
who has given us freedom of the press.

It's the soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It's the soldier, not the campus organizer,
who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It's the soldier, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It's the soldier who salutes the flag, serves under the flag and
whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who gives the protestor the right to burn the flag.

~~ Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

This is my friend Michael Jackson, who I have known for almost 30 years, dating back to when he played guitar at the National Hotel on Block Island, Rhode Island, a hotel that I managed before coming up to Bangor. Michael now is the Rhode Island State Bugler, traveling throughout the state playing his bugle at military funerals and veteran's ceremonies. It's an honor to call him a friend.