Never fear the price of your freedom

Freedom (Fre'dom) n. 1. The state of being at liberty rather than being confined or under physical constraint. 2. Exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.

This is the Random House definition of freedom, and the price of freedom is the sacrifice our armed forces make so we can be free; courage in times of adversity, and temperance for our neighbors, who come from many different countries but as Americans believe as we do in the Constitution. On these three points I write this small dissertation on the price of freedom.

On the first point, I remember a saying I once read on a plaque: The price of freedom is paid for by the courage of yesterday's youth, who gave their tomorrows so we can have our todays. Now that's not a direct quote, because I think I added a bit to it, but please bear with me.

From the Revolutionary War to Operation: Enduring Freedom, the youth of America have given of themselves in times of war for the ideal of freedom, facing the horror of war with courage and spirit. In doing so, many times over heroes emerged and shined in the face of annihilation.

I have never served in the armed forces, but I have a deep respect and reverence for those who have. I have talked to many veterans from at least three of the major campaigns of the 20th century and to hear how these brave souls fought, bled and, sadly, sometimes died so we can be free to go about our daily lives fills me with a rare type of awe. It is our fathers, sons, husbands and grandfathers who gave of themselves for us. To them I say thank you, and you will never be forgotten. Win or lose, American soldiers have proven that freedom is worth fighting for.

On the second point I have much to say in the wake of recent events. The price of freedom is when the chips are down and our nation is hit hard by tragedy, civil servants and ordinary citizens show great courage even in the face of certain death.

On Sept. 11, 2001, our great nation was struck by such a tragedy, the likes of which we had not seen since Pearl Harbor. We were hit below the belt by a fanatic group that did not have the courage and moral fiber to meet our armed forces on the field of battle in a manner that would be honorable and right. But in doing so, they allowed this great nation to show again the depth and scope of American courage.

More than 2,800 people died that day, and yet so many were saved through the selfless acts of ordinary people: policemen and firemen, not to mention ordinary citizens who witnessed the crash, and the crew of the airplane bound for our nation's capital was brought down by the heroic actions of the passengers and crew, sparing the lives of many, including our president.

Janis Joplin once sang, "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose." The people on that plane were free in that moment, and they used that freedom so innocent people could remain free. I have heard that heroes never know they are heroes, and they come from the most unlikely places, but I believe those people who showed great fortitude that day knew for an instant what they were: angels of heaven.

There was a verse I read as I was watching the towers collapse, I opened my Bible and there it was, proof in black and white: "There is no greater gift than one who lays down his life for his brother." I cried thinking that such a thing was not going to happen in 21st century America, but then reports came in to the contrary (and in New York no less) and I felt a stirring in my soul.

I knew right then, that win or lose, Americans will never fear the price of freedom. I say thank you to all those who paid the price and all those who gave up their time to help sort through the carnage; you are truly God sent.

On the final point, I also have much to say. We cannot let the grip of fear take a hold of our hearts. These examples of courage and greatness should be a beacon for us to live by, not with fear but with great hope for tomorrow. We must learn about our neighbors, because they are as much a part of the American quilt as you or I, no matter if they are rich, poor, black, white, Indian, Asian, Muslim, Christian, atheist or pagan.

Yes, we should be on guard, not with each other, but with forces outside our home. If we become paranoid, then the enemies of freedom have already won. If we cannot let our fellow Americans be free without overstepping and instituting an Orwellian type of regime, then we have defeated ourselves, but I know this will not come to pass. Win or lose, Americans know the responsibility of freedom.

In conclusion, I wish to say that freedom's price is high, but Americans have proven they are willing to pay that price. The price of freedom should be paid by each of us every day by being brave, being just and being unified against tyranny or oppression.

To quote from our own Pledge of Allegiance, "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." We must remember we are diverse in our heritage, bound by the principles of equality and liberty. I took for granted that freedom, and I realize I am privileged to sit here today and write this essay. As I read back through it, I realized maybe I had not fully understood what the price of freedom was until I took it and distilled it in my heart and let the words flow out onto this page.

Thank you to everyone who ever paid that price for my freedom, and I only hope that I can do justice to the sacrifice and hard work of those who paid that price.