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Freedom to publish, a tribute to our service men and women
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AP Photo: Karel Prinsloo
As the proud wife of an Iraq veteran and a woman who grew up in a military family, the 4th of July has always held special meaning for me. My grandfather served in WWII while my grandmother was a “Rosie the Riveter.” All three of my uncles served in the United States Army and did a tour of duty in Vietnam. I had two cousins who served in the United States Marine Corps and three cousins who served in the United States Army, one of which is still a drill Sergeant in Alabama. Needless to say, I have a deep sense of gratitude to the service men and women who have so selflessly given their time and lives, even unto the point of death, to serve this wonderful country that I call home.
Each day that I wake up I am grateful to do so in a country that has given me such liberties as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the freedom to pursue happiness. There are billions of people in the world who do not have these same liberties. Had I been born in a country where I did not have these liberties, I would most likely not have been able to self-publish my own book.
With this being said, let’s keep in mind that freedom of speech comes with the great responsibility to wield it wisely. Will Smith, on his last album, versed some very powerful lines in his song “Lost & Found” that are important to keep in mind when exercising freedom of speech:
LOST
Is when you hide behind the freedom of speech
While sure you’re free to do it
But what it mean to do it
Did you mean to do it
Did you need to do it
Did you take time to think about the seeds you ruined
Thank you, wonderful husband of mine, for your wonderful service to me and our country. Thank you, service men and women for your dedication and service to the United State of America. Your bountiful gift is recognized and greatly appreciated.
A witty saying I heard recently on the Dr. Laura show, “If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading this in English, thank a United States Veteran.”
As you enjoy the day with family and friends, and go on to view fireworks display tonight, please keep in mind the true spirit of the day and the words of the first verse our country’s National Anthem, the beloved Star Spangled Banner:
O! say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
God Bless America!
E-mail: valcinebrown@yahoo.com
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