What price freedom essays

By By Lydia Burns
July 4, 2002
You may ask: What is the price of freedom? What makes America "the land of the free and the home of the brave?" Let's take a look at Americans and the price they paid for freedom.
In 1620, the pilgrims landed in Massachusetts. To get there, though, they had to give up their homes, fancy clothes and valuable possessions. They also had to leave all of their friends and neighbors. Half died that first year, seeking freedom.
Next, there were those who fought in the Revolutionary War and who signed the Declaration of Independence  those who believed that freedom is more precious than life. For, in a sense, the men who penned their names on that document were signing their death warrants. This group of people was willing to be jailed even die for the precious gift of freedom.
Then there were those 42,348,460 Americans who have served in wars, such as World Wars I and II, in the past century. These men and women gave their time, abilities, and left the comforts of home. Some have had to live with injuries. Everyone gave something for freedom, but some gave everything. According to the Veteran's Administration, 650,954 gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives.
Our military risk their lives continuously. They train and push themselves to and beyond their limits. Whenever these brave citizens are called on, they are willing and ready to serve and fight for our rights.
Last, but certainly not least, are the Americans who are even now paying a price for freedom. These men and women are fighting against terrorism. They have left this wonderful nation. Some of them have never met their children and have not seen their families and friends for a long time. These people have gone into unknown territory, knowing they might be killed. And each person who has died has watered America with his or her blood and has made our country grow strong through God's providence. These Americans are fighting for our rights. They are paying the price of freedom!
By Jeff East
July 4, 2002
Freedom is never free or easy, each generation must respond to a threat. Enemies think we're a sleeping giant, until they see we'll never forget. It's our Founding Fathers writing documents, that made us independent and great. It's the forming of our great nation, as we expanded state by state.
It's those who pledged their honor and lives, as they struggled to be free. It's their losing their families and property that gave freedom to you and me. It's Washington crossing the Delaware, braving the wind and cold. It's Lewis and Clark going west, being both brave and bold.
It's the courage of immigrants and pioneers, as they faced the vast great unknown. It's their crossing dangerous rivers and streams that has carried us where we've gone. It's Abe Lincoln's and Jeff Davis' anguish as they sent men off to die. It's the Wrights' and Lindbergh's daring as they first learned to fly.
It's doughboys going way over there, to make the world safe and free. It was the war to end all wars, but that dream was just not to be. It's mobilizing for war after being attacked, and building weapons, bases and ships. It's rationing of gas, oil and sugar, saving tin and rubber, not taking trips.
It's the strain of living through the Depression, still dreaming of owning a car. It's the loneliness after leaving families behind, going off to fight a war. It's children who missed knowing their fathers, who left home and spent years abroad. It's wives and sweethearts left at home, by soldiers named John, Frank and Claude.
It's fear of those who stormed the beaches, as they fought greed and tyranny. It's the contributions of those left at home, as they bravely raised you and me. It's the sadness of those who watched friends die, who kept fighting, holding back their tears. It's the courage of those who gave their best, postponing marriages and jobs several years.
It's mothers losing sons in combat, sons who gave America all that they had. Those sons' sacrifices made a big difference, in defeating those whose attacks made us mad. Those terrorist attacks again made us angry, we'll pay a big price to stay safe and free. We'll hunt them down, and make them pay, that's something that they will soon see.
Don't you think it's time for flag-waving, like Fort McHenry, Iwo Jima and Pork Chop Hill? Let's raise them high, all filled with pride, to show the world we love America still.