Freedom

F- fighting for change- sometimes you have to step up; fighting to protect- be aware that so many have stepped up and are willing to pay the ultimate price for it; family sacrifice- the wives, husbands, mothers, fathers and children of soldiers ; feeling safe

R- realization that all, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or nationality are the same- human, respect- having enough of it for oneself to be true and confident and having enough for others to allow them to be themselves and love them for who they are.

E- everyone deserves it, but not everyone has it; empathy for others and their plight and the courage to help mankind; education = empowerment- teach our children the lessons we have learned so that history does not repeat itself

E- election, as in the freedom to have one and the ability to change what you don't like; establishment- for good or bad and knowing the difference in the two

D- don't turn a blind eye, dangerous-if taken too literally, our freedom does not infringe on others' freedom, diversity- we can all be different and yet co-exist peacefully

O- opinion- being allowed to voice it freely without repercussions; openess- without restraint; obligation- to guard and protect it; lack of oppression- from the Afghan wife that feels so hopeless that she must set herself on fire to free herself from oppression to the neglected child who didn't ask to be brought into the world, and yet sits, alone and ignored

M- military- the heroes that volunteer and answer the call of duty; menial- to someone who has always had it, mighty- to someone who has just received it, mythical- to someone who has no hope of ever enjoying it.

What does freedom mean to you?