The Soldier - Memorial Day 2014

The Soldier

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

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

It is the soldier,
who salutes the flag,
who serves under the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.
By Charles M. Province, copyright 1970, 2010

Thank you to all Soldiers for your service and dedication to our country.

Thank you PFC Daniel Benson Nolff - who gave his life in service of our country on October 29, 1966

We also thank the members of our family who fought for freedom under our flag.

Claude E. Harper (May 20, 2013)  -- POW WWII

Henry "Butch" Nolff Sr. (July 4, 2003) -- Vietnam

Wilbur "Web" Elenbaas (Sept. 4, 1999)  -- Korea

Larry Hagen (Dec. 26, 2008)  -- Korea

Raymond A. Elenbaas (May 16, 2014) -- Korea

John L. Coleman (July 24, 1994) -- WWII

Arthur A. Elenbaas (March 10, 2011) --  WWII

Clayton H. Elenbaas (April 6, 2001)  -- WWII

Gordon F. Elenbaas (November 8, 1999) --  WWII

Richard Elenbaas (Sept. 4, 1970) -- WWI

Those who also served.

J. Alan Coleman, USMC

Don Harper, US Army

Bill Harper, US Air Force

As well as those currently serving.

Jaz Livingstone -- USAF

Amanda Coleman -- US Army National Guard

Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored.  ~Daniel Webster