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On this July 4th, what does freedom mean to you?
Photo by Regan Hill
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Published: July 4, 2009
Independence Day is often the time people reflect on not only the nation's history but on its telling hallmark, its signature statement and its enduring legacy: freedom.
But the word can mean different things to different people.
The R&L talked about freedom with some people at the Signal Hill Mall on Friday afternoon.
Mary Watts, a 69-year-old African American woman, remembers when freedom meant something very different.
Watts grew up in Statesville and later lived in Massachusetts but in the early 1960s, she traveled to Alabama.
"My friends all told me I was crazy for going there," Watts recalled. "They asked me what kind of flowers I wanted for my funeral."
Watts said that while the trip was uneventful, she does remember the Jim Crow era.
"So now I would say freedom means I am able to do what I please," she said. "I think things have gotten better here for all the races. But it's still not perfect."
Irma Rios, 49, originally from southern Texas, sees freedom as an aspect of her identity.
"I love the freedom I have with just being from the United States," she said. "Some people think I'm from another country, like Mexico, because of my look or my name. But I was born in the United States and I grew up in the United States and I love the freedom of just being from here."
Carlos Plomer, 38, was born and raised in Honduras. He has lived in the United States for 11 years and in that time has come to appreciate the unrestrictedness of the nation.
"Like you and me, we can talk," he said. "We can talk about anything we want to. We can talk about religion. We can talk about the government and no one is going to stop us from talking. In other countries, like Venezuela, there are some things you can't talk about."
Lara Jehle also is a big fan of of those cherished rights granted by the First Amendment to the Constitution.
"I would say freedom of speech is our greatest freedom," said Jehle, 23. "Our country is one that's of the people, by the people and for the people and I think freedom of speech is on of the main rights our forefathers fought for."
David Parker, 42, played a more recent role in that ongoing fight.
Not long ago Parker, 42, retired from the U.S. Army. And after a 21-year career that included three tours in Iraq, freedom means being with those he loves.
"Freedom is being home," he said. "It's finally being back with my family and being able to celebrate with my family. I just really like being home and that's freedom to me."
He'd likely get an amen to that from many who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Among them is Don Gildner, 75, who was spent time in the National Guard.
"If you served in the service, you know what freedom means," Gildner said. "And because people have served, we are able, within limits, to do almost anything we want to in this country. I think too many people take our freedom for granted here."
Harold Estes agrees with that sentiment and says while the freedoms enjoyed in the U.S. "are the best anywhere," he fears they may be slipping away.
"It's not going to last if we keep going the way we're going," said Estes, 71. "There are too many people doing what ever they want to. They forget that it was our trust and faith in the Lord that got us those freedoms and we need to get back to that."
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