Leonard at Large

Celebrating Freedom

Sunday we will be observing a special time in our country's history -- the birth of our country, when the Declaration of Independence was signed. It is a time of celebration and a time to remember the freedom that we have.

Perhaps, in many ways, we should now be realizing the value of freedom more than ever. We are in a war with terrorists who want to do away with our freedom. They want us dead. These people do not like it because we have possessions and do not have the same beliefs that they have. It is hard to believe that so many of them have those attitudes, but many are brain-washed to the extent that they are willing to commit suicide to bring harm to others in the name of furthering their cause.

Many people in our country have forgotten the events of September 11. The question is not one of whether they attack us again, but when and how.

The men who signed the Declaration of Independence put their lives on the line.

Each one of them had hard times in his life. It was the courage of these men and others at that time that made it possible to have freedom. There have been many others since our country came into existence that have made sacrifices that maintain our independence and our freedom. Many paid the ultimate sacrifice for us.

Recently we were reminded of the sacrifices that were made for freedom, with the observance of the invasion of France in the war that took place 60 years ago.

If our country had not liberated France, they would now be speaking the German language, something that the French seem to have forgotten.

My uncle, Carl Hawk, was one of the many involved in the invasion. He related this terrible experience and how others were killed. It did not stop there, but it continued to the end of the war. Uncle Carl, George Graham, and others have related some of their experiences of going to Germany. Again, many sacrifices were made for freedom.

More recent historic events include the honors and tributes to the late President Ronald Reagan. We were reminded of his contributions toward taking down the Iron Wall and ending the Cold War. This resulted in giving large number of people freedom that they did not have and reduced the fear that we held of the Soviet Union.

Today, there are several ways those on active duty are making sacrifices. They are away from their families for several months. I did not like being away from my family for only a few days to attend camps and conferences, during my career. They are also away from their careers.

Not only are those on active duty making sacrifices, but their families are also making sacrifices of not having the spouse, parent, son or daughter at home.

One example is a lady I know over at Iola. Her son had established a business and it was beginning to do well. He has been called to active duty, leaving behind his business. His mother and others are working to keep it going until he returns.

Recently, I visited with a wife of a soldier who had been in Iraq. He was home at the time but was to go back. He wanted to go back to his unit because he still had a job to do in Iraq.

The wife said that her children, ages 10 and 7, did not want her to work because they wanted to be with her. They know the danger for their father and they were fearful that something might happen to their mother.

I know of other young children with a father in Iraq. They miss their father and they do not understand why he isn't at home. These incidents demonstrates the sacrifices families are making.

We have people that are sacrificing for us so that we can continue to have freedom. In light of that, it is difficult to understand why people do not vote. With freedom comes responsibility. The other day, I was visiting with some young guys next door to a candidate for office. Across the street were signs in two yards for another candidate running for the same office. I mentioned something about the political signs as I found them to be interesting. They had not even observed them and replied that they do not vote. I started to express that there are people helping to make it possible to have freedom and suggested that they vote. One of them left and went inside. Another one made a statement that it did not matter how a person voted, because the Communists determine who is going to be president.

After hearing the statement from the young guy, I wondered where he had gotten his information and why he felt this way. Still, there was no need to discuss it any further. There are many other people who do not vote. I am sure they are not of the same opinion, but why do they not vote? Every vote is important -- many elections are lost or won by one vote.

We are about to observe another birthday for our country.

We can take pride of the freedom we have, but at the same time we need to pay tribute to the many heroes who have made it possible.

For the celebration to be held out at the fairgrounds Sunday night, event organizers are asking for the names of those serving in the armed services, so the names can be announced.

These men and women are making sacrifices at this time and should be honored.

Make it a great and safe celebration.

Happy birthday, U.S.A.