U.S. Senator John Cornyn

May 26, 2008

A message from Sen. Cornyn:

I wanted to take a moment to wish all of our men and women in the Armed Forces a happy Memorial Day. I stand with all Texans and honor those that have sacrificed in the defense of freedom and democracy. My appreciation is not only for the soldiers, but also their families who have given so much more than we could ever ask of them, as well. We can never adequately repay you for all you have given to this great country of ours.

Recently, while attending the memorial service of Alex Gonzalez in Mission who lost his life serving in Iraq, his family distributed the poem below. It expresses, much better than I could, the debt we all owe to those who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe. Please read it and remember Alex and all his fellow patriots this Memorial Day.

The Soldier

Presented By: The Last Patrol

It is the soldier, not the president, who has given us democracy.

It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has give us freedom of the press.

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

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

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to protest.

IT IS THE SOLDIER, who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who gives the protestor the freedom to burn the flag.

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