Freedom Remembered

The following is part one of a sermon I preached last Sunday. Parts two and three will follow.

What images come to your mind when I mention the word freedom? Eagles, flags, the statue of liberty, the rockets’ red glare, Mel Gibson in a kilt with blue and white makeup on his face?
All these are real symbols…true and good, but I’m afraid perhaps we have seen and enjoyed freedom’s benefits and have begun to take them for granted.
Do we remember the high price paid for freedom? The cost to maintain that freedom, or the responsibilities we have that come with freedom?
I hope to take a look at our Christian heritage, both as Americans and as Christians; and learn, or maybe remember, some things that would help us become a more grateful people, a more Godly people, and a more successful, blessed people.

One Nation Under God
We celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 … but the journey to freedom began long before that day.

A history of sacrifice
It was the colony of Virginia that took the first steps toward independence by voting to select a committee to represent the colonies. This First Continental Congress met in September of 1774. They drew up a list of grievances against the King of England which would become the first draft of a document that would formally separate the colonies away from England. Soon thereafter, George Washington would assume command of the Continental Army and began fighting the British in Massachusetts. For the next eight years, American colonists fought fervently in the Revolutionary War.
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress presented & debated a second draft of the list of grievances. John Hancock, the president of that Congress, was the first to sign. The document, called the Declaration of Independence, was deemed treasonous against the crown and the 56 men who signed it were in danger of execution.
Independence Day is celebrated on July 4 because that is the day the Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. From July 8, 1776, until the next month, the document was read publicly and people celebrated whenever they heard it. The next year, in Philadelphia, bells rang and ships fired guns, candles and firecrackers were lighted. But the War of Independence dragged on until 1783, and in that year, Independence Day was made an official holiday.

What was the price of that freedom?
A price paid in blood
May we never forget that during the Revolutionary War, over 22,500 American soldiers were killed in battle. Another 63,000 died from disease as a result of their service, and 6,000 civilians were killed. No friends, freedom isn’t free.
The War of 1812 is one of the forgotten wars of the United States. The war lasted for over two years, and while it ended much like it started; in stalemate; it was in fact a war that once and for all confirmed American Independence. But it cost another 2,260 American soldiers their life.
Among America’s darkest days were those of the Civil War. Americans fighting Americans until nearly half a million lost their lives.
But the price continued to climb, during WWI over 117,000 American soldiers made the supreme sacrifice for freedom.
WWII – over 450,000
Korea – over 54,000
Vietnam – over 58,000
Persian Gulf – 150
War on Terror – over 4,000 so far

Our military has paid a tremendously high price for freedom and we must never forget, never take for granted, and never cease to hold in the highest esteem those who volunteer to protect us.
Among others who have purchased or preserved our freedom include at least 19,200 policemen killed in the line of duty. Approximately 100 firefighters are killed every year in the line of duty and at least 76 EMS workers since 1992 have been killed in the line of duty.
Every one of these numbers represents someone’s son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother, grandson or granddaughter.
We must never forget that the price of freedom is not cheap.
These men and women are heroes, but they did not pay the price alone. They had a supreme commander who called them to their station and gave them the ability to carry out their duties. That is why real Americans proudly say, "One Nation Under God." May it always be so.