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Pictured above is Pop (my grandfather and your great grandfather) & Navy warrant officer (machinist), Michael Kuzmak, who served aboard the USS Goldsborough DDG-20, SC-505, & USS Romulus ARL-22 during WWII. While I'm not a very patriotic person at heart, the following poem did strike a chord.
See also, Kuzmak Home Movies (Part1), Kuzmak Home Movies (Part2), Pop's WWII Medals, Pop, and Pop (Reprise).
It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN, not the courts
who has given us the right to keep and bear arms
It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the VETERAN, who salutes the Flag,
and serves under the flag.
Thank God for the VETERAN.