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Veterans Day Poem Freedom Is Not Free – The Veterans Day poem “Freedom Is Not Free” (also known as “Freedom Isn’t Free”) remains one of the most widely shared tributes to American service members. Written by Kelly Strong in 1981, it captures the real cost of the freedoms Americans enjoy every day. For families, teachers, veterans groups, and community organizers looking for a meaningful way to observe Veterans Day, this poem and its free educational printable offer a ready resource.
Who Wrote “Freedom Is Not Free”?
Kelly Strong composed the poem as a high school senior at Homestead High School in Homestead, Florida, for a JROTC assignment. He later served 24 years in the U.S. Coast Guard and went on to work as an airline captain. The poem is a personal tribute inspired in part by his father’s Marine Corps service, including two tours in Vietnam. Copyright remains with the author (1981).
The piece is frequently read at Veterans Day ceremonies, Memorial Day events, funerals, and school programs. Its plain language and steady rhythm make it accessible for reading aloud or classroom discussion.
What the Poem Conveys?
The poem follows a speaker who watches a young service member salute the flag and later hears Taps. It moves from the visible pride of uniformed service to the hidden costs: lives lost on foreign soil, mothers’ tears, pilots shot down, unmarked graves in Arlington and at sea, and the “interrupted lives” of families left behind. The repeated line drives home the central message: the liberties Americans take for granted were purchased at a high price.
This theme aligns with the broader American expression “freedom is not free,” which also appears on the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Free Printable Resource for Veterans Day
A practical, ready-to-use educational handout is available as a free PDF from the Military Veterans Museum & Education Center. It presents the full poem by Maj. Kelly Strong along with discussion questions suitable for classrooms, Scout troops, family activities, or community events:
- Why might a service member in uniform stand out in a crowd?
- What is the meaning of Taps?
- What does “interrupted lives” refer to?
- What is Arlington, and why does it matter in the poem?
- What is the poet’s overall message?
Download the free printable PDF directly here:
Freedom Is Not Free Poem PDF (Military Veterans Museum & Education Center).
The museum is a nonprofit dedicated to honoring military history through education and preservation. The resource is intended for personal, educational, and commemorative use.
Where to Read the Full Poem and Author Background?
For the complete text with the author’s own background note, visit:
USA Patriotism! – Freedom Isn’t Free by Kelly Strong.
Another site that displays the poem with the author’s permission is:
Your Daily Poem – Freedom Isn’t Free.
These pages are useful for verifying the text and understanding the author’s intent before printing or reading the poem publicly. Always respect the copyright when sharing or reproducing the work beyond personal or educational fair use.
Veterans Day Poem Freedom Is Not Free
Practical Ways to Use the Poem on Veterans Day
- Print the educational PDF for classroom lessons or Scout meetings.
- Read the poem at local Veterans Day ceremonies, school assemblies, or church services.
- Pair it with a moment of silence or the playing of Taps.
- Share selected lines (or the full authorized text) on community boards or in newsletters, with proper attribution to Kelly Strong, Copyright 1981.
- Use the discussion questions to help younger audiences grasp the meaning of sacrifice and service.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) regularly reminds Americans that Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the true cost of freedom and to honor those who have served.
Brief FAQ
Is the poem in the public domain?
No. It is protected by copyright held by Kelly Strong (1981). Many educational and patriotic sites share it with attribution or the author’s permission for non-commercial, commemorative use. For broader reproduction, seek permission from the author or rights holder.
Can I print the poem for a school or community event?
Yes, the free educational PDF from the Military Veterans Museum & Education Center is designed for exactly that purpose. Attribute the work to Kelly Strong and note the copyright year.
Where can I find more Veterans Day resources?
Official and veteran-focused organizations such as the VFW provide guidance on observing the day with respect and gratitude. Local VA facilities, American Legion posts, and community centers often host free public events.
Veterans Day is observed each year on November 11. Using “Freedom Is Not Free” as a centerpiece—whether read aloud, discussed in class, or shared as a printable handout—helps keep the focus on the people who paid the price for the freedoms Americans continue to enjoy. The free printable from the Military Veterans Museum & Education Center makes it simple for anyone to bring the poem into homes, schools, and community gatherings.