The Statue of Liberty

The meaning of the words liberty and freedom has been taken for granted for so long. It’s about time to start really to thinking how important these words liberty and freedom really are.

Most people, when asked about the true meaning of liberty and freedom, would probably say they already know what these rights are, but they seldom really do. Nor do they care. Ask any immigrant that has come from another country. Ask people that so vitally fought for this country. They all know what the rights of liberty and freedom mean.

During the American Revolution in 1776, people took a firm stand to separate this country from other countries. Anyone who openly talked about freedom could be hanged or shot. We fought against the British for all who believe in liberty, freedom, and a better way of life.

The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to celebrate the American Revolution, stands in the harbor of New York. There is a plaque inside the statue’s base that contains a famous poem by the American poet, Emma Lazarus. Here are a few lines of that poem, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

However Liberty and Freedom are not for free. There is a price to be paid. For the American people that have died for their country, no amount of money will repay the debt. Yet we would rather forget what our rights really stand for, which is the American way.

Marguerite J. Badger

Feb 15, 2005