Saturday, August 25, 2007

Feedom Isn't Free!

Thanks to Mary Grant for the following. Mary's a fellow Blue Star Mother.

HI,
My mother-in-law is a past president of the Springfield Garden Club. She sent me this today. I thought I would continue to share the good things that are happening out there.
Mary Grant

Dear Friends:
I was privileged to attend a Blue Star Memorial Dedication at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on August 12, 2007. These markers are along the highways and byways throughout Illinois honoring our Veterans and sponsored by Garden Clubs of Illinois. They work with IDOT to place these throughout Illinois. There were many speakers but Mrs Jimmie Meinhhardt, the National Blue Star Chairman, by far gave the best speech about our Veterans . She gave permission to use it and I would like to share it with you.
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
LET US REMEMBER THAT FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. IT IS BOUGHT FOR US WITH THE COURAGE OF EVERY SOLDIER WHO SERVES IN OUR ARMED FORCES, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.
Soldiers, not reporters gives us freedom of press;
Soldiers, not poets five us freedom of speech;
Soldiers , not judges give us the right of trial by jury;
Soldiers, not lawyers give us the freedom to peaceably assemble;
Soldiers, not ministers give us the freedom of religion;
Soldiers, not lawmakers give us the right to vote as we choose;
Soldiers, not merchants give us the freedom to keep and bear arms;
And it is soldiers, not the United States Senate who guarantees us the right to stand together, say the "Pledge Of Allegiance: and leave in the words " under God".
We are here today to pay tribute to these soldiers by dedicating this Memorial to them for the sacrifices they have made for us.
It is with pride and remembrance that the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Joins with The Garden Clubs of Illinois to dedicate the BLUE STAR BY-WAY MARKER which stands as a symbol.
FOR ALL TO SEE - LEST WE FORGET- THOSE WHO HELP TO KEEP US FREE!!
I was so moved by this speech. I feel that especially in this time in our Country, that this should be shared with others. We need to support, not tear down, those who give us the freedoms that we enjoy every day.
Sincerely,
Sally Noble
Springfield Civic Garden Club President

3 comments:

vet66 said...

The only activity more important than fighting for freedom is supporting those who do the fighting and the families they leave behind.

Our strength is in our dedication, motivation, and inspiration derived from Patriots such as these and a just cause worthy of our efforts. Our military is counting on us.

Keep up the good work!

vet66 said...

Also, this confronts the likes of Brian De Palma who is currently using the actions of a convicted few who raped a girl and killed her family in Mahmudiya, Iraq, 2006. Abhorrent as this crime was it is made worse by the demonizing of 160,000 troops in Iraq because of the actions of a handful of criminals in our military. I am sure the film REDACTED by De Palma will play well against the lefties in Venice and Europe who want to believe the worst.

Anonymous said...

People should read this.