“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” President Reagan challenged the Soviet Union leader in 1987. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy had stated, “Ich bin ein Berliner,” voicing the support of the United State for democratic West Germany two years after the wall was erected. The wall marked the separation of West Berlin from East Berlin and all of East Germany. In 1989, the wall came down. Today marks that twenty-fifth anniversary and Germans are celebrating.
Freedom! It is the life blood of a thriving nation, the very air we breathe. Many, many people have died to obtain freedom and to keep it. Many Americans have died for our own freedom or the freedom of others. Without freedom, we would be an oppressed, down-trodden, unhappy and hopeless group of people. Love of freedom is the reason our country was founded.
I’ve often wondered why anybody would want to wrench freedom from the grasp of anyone else. What would be the purpose? The only reason I can come up with is power. As ridiculous and stupid as it is, there are those who exist to exert authority and power over others. I suppose that is what they live for. What a terrible reason for getting up in the morning. What a waste! And what a monumental crime–to oppress others.
I’ve found some quotes from people who voice the importance of freedom far better than I can.
“Freedom cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people.” John Adams
“Freedom lies in being bold.” Robert Frost
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we if we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” Abraham Lincoln
“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Thomas Jefferson.
“If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” George Washington
As the people of Germany celebrate freedom today, let us celebrate too and pray to our Creator that He keep our Nation free.
First Snow by Tracy Day
As I read this, it occurred to me that people build walls in their lives for different reasons……some for protection, some for control…. But as in the Berlin Wall, it separates. If there’s a wall in our lives, we need to review why and decide if we need to tear it down. It could be liberating……
You are absolutely right, Carolyn. Thanks for the comment.