When I see our beloved flag, I think of all the men
who have fought for our freedom. The soldiers in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan
have risked their lives so freedom could be preserved. We have troops in other areas,
as well. These men have left their wives,
children, and families to serve their country.
Freedom is the most precious gift given to man. It
isn’t free, but it’s fought for. Why do we value our freedom and hold it so
close to our hearts? When we pledge allegiance to our flag, what does that mean
to us? Do we take our freedom for granted? Many countries have no rights and
are not at liberty to say what they feel or to worship as they please. In some
countries, Christianity cannot be preached among the people. Newspapers, media,
and even the Internet are all government controlled. Do we understand the
freedom we possess? Do you appreciate the patriots who fought for the liberty
we enjoy?
On July 4, 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the “Declaration of Independence.” This
document inspired every patriot to fight for his liberty. It read: “We hold these
truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed
by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
The Declaration
of Independence was inspired of God. These brave patriots hungered for
freedom of choice, for their rights, and to worship according to the dictates
of their own conscience. The patriots fought with every fiber of strength they
had, both bond and free.
Many of these patriots were willing to die for their
freedom. Nathan Hale, a 23-year-old artist and schoolteacher, felt the
conviction of his beliefs so strongly that he agreed to go on a dangerous
mission for George Washington. He was caught with sketches of British gun
emplacements and the penalty for being a spy was death. As he marched up the
steps of the gallows, he held his head high. Nathan Hale faced the people and
declared boldly, “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.”
The patriots knew the value of freedom and were
willing to pay the price. Most of the victories in the south came from Colonial
Francis Marion and his men. Francis Marion knew how to deal with the enemy in
his own homeland. He was known as the Swamp Fox and had the slyest fighting
command in the whole revolution. He had trained his men to disappear into the
thick forest and swamps of South Carolina without a sound. Hidden from sight,
they would strike and then quickly move through the woods like silent shadows,
fading into the forest and undergrowth. Francis Marion and his men tormented
the British army with one ambush after another. This frustrated the British
officers because they were helpless in the woods and swamps.
After
eight long years, the Americans beat the greatest military power in the world. Many
patriots paid for this freedom with their lives and we should be grateful to those
who fought for this liberty. We are a great nation with ancestors who fought to
be free.
We
should honor those who have served and fought to preserve our liberty! Take
time to thank a soldier for his service!
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