Journal entry

July 2^nd 2011

                In my last entry, I was speaking about freedom, and what does it mean to you. I asked my kids this question, and the response I got was surprising. One said (the Youngest) he gets to go and shoot fireworks. I asked him if that’s all it means and he said no, he gets good hot dogs and hamburgers too! It looks like I have some work to do with him! My oldest daughter said it means that we celebrate our independence from England, that we became our own country. While this holds some truth, it’s not complete. Why did we want our freedom from English tyranny to begin with? It was because we had no freedoms to practice what religion we chose, it was because we got tired of being told we must pay taxes to a King 1000,s of miles away who had no idea what we needed. It was for many reasons, but the bottom line is many good Americans to be gave their life so we could have freedoms. The freedom to choose. The freedom to be who we can be, without the persecution that results in not having freedoms.

                I just want my kids to understand we did not gain these freedoms we enjoy for free. Many have paid the ultimate sacrifice to gain us these freedoms. Many more will sacrifice to continue our liberties. My oldest son is in the Army, and has been for over a year now. He is not in harm’s way at this time, but that could change tomorrow. He understands better than I do what sacrifice he may have to pay one day. He and I had a long talk before he joined the military as to what could happen. He has the best attitude of any young man I know. Needless to say, I am one proud father. I hope that he never has to pay that ultimate sacrifice, but if that’s what happens, I know that he went with the full understanding of what it may cost. He is willing to pay that price if called upon. My hat is off to everyone in our military. It’s one of the things that make our country as great as it is!