Today we celebrate our freedom. Freedom that has not been free. We have lost sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, mothers, fathers, and grandparents all in the name of freedom. But freedom is not free. We have fought in wars, have lost battles on inner city streets, and have lost rights in the courts. Freedom is not free.
I was looking for famous quotes or speeches made on this day from years past and although there are many, I thought I would share my thoughts of today while sharing a few quotes as well. First I want to look at the word freedom.
Webster Dictionary - the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action.
The absence of constraints in choice or action. How many of us can see ways that even in today's world these absences do not exist? I know I can think of quite a few areas where choice is not free.
There are two quotes that I would like to share today. The first is from President Abraham Lincoln and the second from Vice President Dick Cheney.
President Abraham Lincoln: Those who deny freedom to others
deserves not it for themselves.
Vice President Dick Cheney: It is easy to take liberty for granted when you have never had it taken from you.
As we celebrate today with fireworks, barbeques, boat rides, beer, and other celebrations let us not forget that freedom is not free. If you want freedom we must fight for it, every day and not always over seas. The freedom of our friends, neighbors, and children comes from granting liberties to them with absence of constraint in choice or action. It means taking back the streets of violence, taking back and gaining the rights of all people, and teaching our future generations that freedom is not free.
We live is an amazing world with amazing people. Fight for freedom and liberty.
Happy 4th of July.