Free(dom)

Freedom

The word is basically a misnomer. We associate the word 'free' with gifts or giveaways. That in itself is no fault of our own, the word means exactly that. When you add the suffix 'dom' to the root word free you add a complexity that is not generally associated with the way we use free in conversation or definition. Freedom literally means free domain. When we say we have freedom we mean exactly that. America was founded by people who didn't want to be ruled over by the crown. Thereby we have a country that is a free domain.

  The problem with that is the root word. It implies that this country was founded without cost. The opposite is true. The reason this country exists is because for centuries people have given blood,life,and loved one's so that the ideals that created it can continue to thrive. We have plenty of freedoms for sure but they did not come by simply wishing they existed. We live in a society that was sacrificed for starting in 1776 and is still being fought for today.


What started as a revolution of men and women who refused to bow to the crown and wanted to choose things for themselves has become a country that represents what they wanted all those years ago;Freedom. People see America as a place where they can come and choose to live as they wish. They hear the word America and associate it with a place of choice rather than submission. We are known as the land of the free for good reason.



"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."-Beatrice Evelyn Hall

  Plenty of people disagree with war but the reason they can disagree with it is because of those who fought for them to have that right. The same can be said for all of the freedoms we have, every last one. They exist because contrary to popular belief you can have differing opinions and still want people to be free to choose those opinions. When it boils down fighting for freedom means everyone is free, not just those who think a certain way.

In as much as we are a nation that was founded by those willing to die for freedom we are a nation comprised of men and women willing to sacrifice so that others might also have that right. We are the defenders of the right that was so hardly fought for and aren't above securing it for others.


So, as you go about your weekend celebrating the birth of this nation remember that freedom is to be celebrated without certainty. But, don't mistake the name we've given to the definition. It cost the ultimate price.

For those whose blood fell to secure this freedom centuries ago.
For those whose blood was shed to obtain it for others.
For those who give blood and life even now to ensure that our freedom remains.

Thank You.