Communication Quote by Jeremiah A. Denton
““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, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address by Jeremiah A. Denton, 1975
Freedom of speech and press are protected by the sacrifices of soldiers, not merely by journalists or poets.
In simple terms: Soldiers enable free expression; their sacrifice underpins civil liberties.
Key Takeaway
Respect and honor the sacrifices that safeguard free speech.
Themes
sacrifice
freedom
rights
Mood
respectful
thoughtful
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- military commemorations
- media ethics
- civil rights activism
Key Concepts
civil‑military relationship
constitutional rights
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do citizens have to honor these sacrifices?
- How can we balance respect for soldiers with protecting civil liberties?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on military may overlook other contributors to liberty.
