Tomorrow is Veterans’ Day 2026, and below is my Dad’s favorite quote for Veteran’s Day about the Army men and women he served with and loved. I used this at the “Final Thought” in my book, At First Light.

I hope this post will remind you to thank the veterans you know for their service and sacrifice. And for those of you who bravely served the flag and our country — thanks! I honor you all.

FINAL THOUGHT

IT IS THE SOLDIER

It is the Soldier, not the minister who has given us freedom of religion.

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 freedom to protest.

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

It is the Soldier, not the politician who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.”

— Charles Michael Province, U.S. Army, Ret.[1]

~~~~~

[1] Larimore, At First Light, 367.

In case you haven’t read or listened to Dad’s book, you can learn more about it or order it here.

© Copyright WLL, INC. 2026.