Freedom is not simply a right, or even a gift. Freedom is a treasure, and like all treasures, there's always someone who wants to take it away.
Freedom is, to stand before all others, and make our own choices, accepting the consequences, and benefits which come from those choices.
"Freedom requires eternal vigilance", and it is a treasure, won by the willingness of a free people to sacrifice their lives that others may continue to live free.
Freedom also, however, carries heavy responsibility, not only in its defense against violent overthrow, but in the constant participation of a free people in the governing of that free society.
On this anniversary of the atrocity of September 11, 2001, let us remember ALL those who have fallen in freedom's defense, and let us further dedicate ourselves to insuring that freedom is not quietly stolen away at the polls. We must all be as active politically, as we are militarily, in the defense of freedom, for if we are not, then the lives of all those who have fallen, have been given in vain, and their sacrifice becomes an empty one.
God helps those who help themselves. God will bless America, so long as americans nurture the blessing of freedom.
Pete