It’s getting colder but I don’t want to wear a hat; if I catch pneumonia I’ll just blame the government. Or maybe I’ll call the town office and yell at someone. I can do those things because I’m free.
Some would say that freedom is “doing whatever we want”.
Imagine if we had no traffic laws and everyone drove however they wanted. Before long we would be confused, delayed, frustrated, or dead. That doesn’t sound like freedom to me.
Some laws, regulations, guidelines, or commandments may initially appear to hamper our freedom but they actually safeguard our ability to make future choices.
This week we will remember those who defended the freedom we enjoy in this great land. Those people fought on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. Many died, and many returned home with memories they wished they could forget. But they were successful in their quest; those who threatened our democracy were crushed and our freedom was preserved.
Why did they hunker in miserable foxholes, or shiver in frozen cockpits? So I could watch horror movies, ogle pornography, drink myself into oblivion, or waste hours surfing the Net?
Yes.
But that’s probably not the best use of my freedom. Neither is yelling at town workers or refusing to wear a hat.
Those we remember each November fought to keep us free. How we use that freedom is now our responsibility. Will we make choices that keep us – and those around us – as free, and safe, and happy as possible?
Observing a minute of silence this Friday will be easy. Truly honouring our veterans and fallen heroes by making choices to better ourselves, uplift others, and strengthen our communities is the challenge.
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