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Soldiers Reflect on Freedom, Independence Day
(July 4, 2010) |
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An artist's combination of the American flag and
the Declaration of Independence is shown. |
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TIKRIT, Iraq (July 3, 2010) – Freedom. A liberty that is so deeply reflected and
described in the Bill of Rights of our U.S. Constitution and is the root of what
grew to become the Declaration of Independence, some 234 years ago.
Like love, freedom is both tangible and intangible; and at times, very measured.
It can be taken away as well as it can be given. But, all the more reason it
will always be worth fighting for.
Since the American Revolutionary War until now, men and women have fought to
attain and preserve what Thomas Jefferson described in the Declaration of
Independence as our “unalienable rights ... life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness.”
“History shows that (many) sacrificed their lives and some of their freedoms for
other people's freedoms,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael S. McCoy, the top
noncommissioned officer of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry
Division, out of Fort Riley, Kan. “That's what we do in the military. We
sacrifice a lot of our own freedoms to provide (and protect) the freedom of
others and (our country).”
While many look forward to the Fourth of July for the numerous firework displays
and extended weekends, Capt. Simon Welte, the |
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commander of Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery
Regiment said that it's also important to remember the basis of the
holiday – commemorating freedom.
“I think that the Fourth of July is one of the greatest holidays
that the United States of America has,” said the Augusta, Ky.,
native.
“It's not only a time (for celebration), but it's also a time to be
thankful for the ones who have given their lives for the freedoms
that we have,” he concluded. |
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Article and photo by Army Sgt. Shantelle Campbell
4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division
Copyright 2010 | |
Provided
through DVIDS
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