"What Is Freedom Worth" - Keith R. Bridgman - 2001:Greatness is not always inherited, but more often, it is a product of the character of the people of a nation when external events are thrust upon them...
I am not easily angered, nor am I quick to spew forth condemnation. I am not easily saddened, nor am I a pillar of strength. I rarely stand in a face to face argument preferring to allow each their views. Yet the events of September 11, 2001 involving the World Trade Center in New York City, have challenged all of these emotions. For what it’s worth, and with a heavy heart, this is what I think.
What is Freedom worth? We have seen our flag, Old Glory herself, droop to half-mast in recent years more times than we care to count. We have seen her burned and spat upon in hatred. We have seen the good nature of the American people and their generosity stabbed in the back time after time often by the very people we have helped along the way. We have wept over fallen comrades and seen our people dragged through streets with cheering mobs mocking our name. Yet we remained restrained, and forgiving.
What is Freedom worth? Generations past have defended this country at a terrible cost against all enemies who have threatened our way of life. Historically, we Americans have risen in defense of those subjected to tyranny across the globe. Inspiring moments of patriotism from our history abound in countless stories, and courage has always been a common element. We have faced fear and uncertainty. We have many times risen tall from amongst ashes that were heaped upon us and stood down sinister elements. We have grown stronger through adversity and our leaders and our people have shown the courage through the ages. Yet, Freedom has never been easy to attain, nor to secure.
What is Freedom worth? There are cowards in this world claiming in the name of God that they have a right to murder innocent people to further their cause. God must certainly shutter at this perversion of his name. There are cowards who claim to seek peace, then support those who carry out unthinkable crimes against all of mankind, only to slither like cockroaches into the dark holes of safety when light is shed upon their activities. There are people who have hated for so long, they no longer understand what love is, and there are ideologies that promote such things to a blinded following. I have heard it spoken, that we need to understand these people and the plight they have endured for so many years. The American people have always been the first to reach out a helping hand to those in need across the world. They only have to ask, and we are there. We have a collective compasion for those who are hurting and those oppressed, no matter who they are or their circumstances. No...I believe the problem is not so much that we do not understand others, but, factions in this world who prey on the innocent and chose hate and distruction over compassion and love, do not understand us. Most of their problems, because of their own ideologies, are of their own making, yet they chose to blame us for they have not the courage to look upon themselves with a critical eye. They fear the freedom loving people because our freedom's have given us so much, and their way of life has oppressed them for so long they cannot comprehend how precious a concept it is to us. As generous and compassionate the collective American people are, when we are attacted in such a way like September 11, 2001 our collective resolve will bind and focus our energy until justice is served. Just ask those from history who have tried our patience, who have stabbed us in the back, or those who are quick to ride the wave of sentiment blinded by a madman.
What is Freedom worth? I am too old now to reenlist in our armed forces although I did serve as a younger man many years ago. Even so, the patriotic fervor that has boiled inside of me because of these events has caused me to wish I were once again a young man. I no longer have the physical strength, endurance, nor the recuperative powers I once had, but I have a sound mind and the ability to think and reason. What I can best do now is stand with my country and the young men and women of this generation who must defend her today. I can encourage them through words and deeds and by showing courage here at home, and not waver with fear, but stand with determination and confidence to see this thing through. From what I’ve seen I believe they will once again, do what we as a nation have always done, and do it well...if only some of our leaders were so inclined.
So, what is Freedom worth? I shutter more to think what it would cost should we ever lose it, for Freedom is priceless, and our nation is rediscovering that most precious part of our national heritage. We face today a most sinister adversary who for reason's no sane people can fully understand, seek to inflict grievous harm upon our people and our land. Yet, we are on the verge of defining who we are as a nation in the 21st century. I feel we are a people united once again for a common cause, one of justice and understanding, one of courage and steadfastness. Greatness is not always inherited, but more often, it is a product of the character of the people of a nation when external events are thrust upon them. We are connected to a unique, continuous line where generations past have stood their ground and overcome great odds. Our moment in that timeline and our moment of greatness is now.
I love this land and pray that God will continue, in spite of our failings, to shed his grace on it from sea to shining sea. For what it’s worth, this is what I think. God Bless America for the roots of the love I have for her, run far deeper than any threat can ever deter. Keith R. Bridgman
