Photo by Ian Livingston
Today I spent my Fourth of July gathered with some dear family and a few close friends boiling in the heat of our nation’s capital. It was probably the most crowed place I have ever been in my entire life and yet it seemed some how relaxed and uncrowded. While I am not sure I would brave the crowd and heat again, there was something about watching the fireworks under the shadow of our national monuments to all who served for our freedoms.
Americans gather and celebrate as a nation, our independence our freedom, taking pride in our country and our history. We honor those who have fought and died to give us the ability to walk this land without fear of persecution. A nation built on the back of injustice, a nation with dark slave past (mention here and link to slave apology). We celebrate today a nation which stands for justice, the right to free speech, the right of religious choice, the right to live our lives how we choose to live. However while we may not always agree with each other, and our country is not by far perfect, it is known that our children and their children live, and will continue to live, in a country where their opportunities are endless. Yet lets us also not forget that our freedoms have all come at a price, and that they do not befall upon us, but yet are the inheritance of our forefathers and foremothers. And while freedom is ours, it is still heavily guarded by those men and women, who serve in our military, work in our government, human rights workers and everyday citizens who have ensured that these rights continue to remain for us and future generations.
Take a moment from your BBQ’s and parties, and with your friends and family, and reflect for a moment to remember that countless millions of men, women and children around the globe are not so fortunate. For there are some 27 million people around the world who continue to remain affected by modern slavery, and that millions of children around the world who are faced with the daily ravages of war and conflict. Millions of children continue to face gender inequality; are denied an education, our sexually exploited, suffer needlessly from preventable diseases and poverty. Forget not that these children are not always in some land far away, but here in our own back yard…here in the land of freedom.
Use your freedom and your voice to help those who cannot celebrate today among the summer fun of BBQ’s and sit under the night sky ablaze with fireworks. Remember that freedom is not free, and it is the right of every man, woman and child.