“It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech;”
— Douglas MacArthur
Simplified Meaning:
Freedom of speech, the ability to say what we think without fear, isn’t just something poets or writers achieved by writing. Instead, it's the soldiers who fought and protected our rights who made it possible. Imagine a country where people can speak their minds openly. Behind that freedom, there are soldiers who risk their lives to safeguard it. For example, during wars or in times of conflict, soldiers fight to defend our country and its values, including our right to free speech. So, while poets may use the freedom of speech to inspire and share ideas, it’s the soldiers who ensure we continue to have that freedom. If we value being able to express ourselves, we should also appreciate and respect the efforts and sacrifices made by soldiers to maintain this freedom.
