The American Dream is Freedom... Long Live Freedom

I, like many other Americans, cannot help but reflect on the long journey that has brought about the historic inauguration which took place in Washington. That journey started with a group of visionaries who framed a new government where all men were created equal. I feel like I am only now beginning to understand the clarity and precision of their vision. What a great validation of their design, is the election of Barack Obama. A design that allowed the election of man, who it would seem by God's own design, represents every corner of the earth, rather than some elite class. A descendant of a slave nation who was freed by the endless struggle of countless individuals working within the system our founders created. I see now the grace of that design, unyielding in its’ principles, yet recognizing the need for evolution. Evolve it did, as those who struggled for liberty demanded change. What has become clear to me, as we have inaugurated Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States, is that We the People have evolved too. I am so proud to be an American.

Some time ago, I wrote a song to honor immigrants who helped to create America. After 911, I modified the song somewhat to recognize all those Americans, across the generations of our history, who have given us our freedom. I considered many names for the song including, "This is America", "Freedom's Home", and "Stand up America". I finally decided to name it "Long Live Freedom", and with the inauguration of Obama, the song has taken on a new meaning for me. I now hear in the song a challenge; a challenge for us, in this new, more perfected version of the ever changing America, to do our part; to be a part of the greater good; to truly treat each other as our brother, and make the sacrifices that are necessary, as so many have sacrificed before us, to insure that we keep freedom alive.

In that spirit of keeping the American Dream of freedom alive, I'd ask you to reflect on those who you feel have given us our freedom and let's praise them here as a "Freedom Hero". Some of my heroes include My Dad who fought in World Word II, and in Korea; my brother who fought in Vietnam; my mother for creating a loving home; Martin Luther King Jr. for showing that the power of love is stronger than hate; and my new hero Barack Obama, for showing that the American Dream is real.

Who are your heroes?

If you like listen to Long Live Freedom at http://www.longlivefreedom.net

My heros? Everyone who wears the uniform of this nation's armed services and comes home in a flag-draped box.

Don't Tread On Me Wrote:My heros? Everyone who wears the uniform of this nation's armed services and comes home in a flag-draped box.

You would be a hero if you had come home in a flag-draped box i suppose. my friend don't decieve yourself, we feel these guys are heros but how many people are ready to achieve this status in the same way?

should be every man in this country that draws a free breath.

charox Wrote:

Don't Tread On Me Wrote:My heros? Everyone who wears the uniform of this nation's armed services and comes home in a flag-draped box.

You would be a hero if you had come home in a flag-draped box i suppose. my friend don't decieve yourself, we feel these guys are heros but how many people are ready to achieve this status in the same way?

That's why my "hero" list is not a long one. I'm old school and feel the term in way overused.

Don't Tread On Me Wrote:

charox Wrote:

Don't Tread On Me Wrote:My heros? Everyone who wears the uniform of this nation's armed services and comes home in a flag-draped box.

You would be a hero if you had come home in a flag-draped box i suppose. my friend don't decieve yourself, we feel these guys are heros but how many people are ready to achieve this status in the same way?

That's why my "hero" list is not a long one. I'm old school and feel the term in way overused.

Your humility reminds me of my fathers and grand fathers generation. They did what was asked of them and then left that part of their life there , came home and started back with their lives here.
For that, I count every one that signs that blank check , payable up to and including their life , as someone that has gone above and beyond .
The fireman that runs into a burning building and the cop on the street or the paramedic pulling someone out of a burning car have also stepped up .
I see your point that the ones that gave the ultimate sacrifice for others , cross another line . I agree.
Guess there are degrees of Heros , in some way or another , but one thing they all have in common , is they all started by a willingness to put their own safety 2nd and some one else s that they may have not ever met 1st.
Lots of other folks deserve recognition as well , but those willing to risk their life for others stand head and shoulders above the rest in my eyes.
That courage , in my books , sets a lot of folks apart.

well said