Freedom is not now nor has it ever been free...

This is an older picture from my archive of images. This was taken at the Viet Nam War Memorial in Washington D.C., the subject in the foreground is my son. Each name engraved on the black marble memorializes someone who gave their life to secure our freedom. Each name represents a family that suffered the loss of a loved one. In our everyday life with all our modern conveniences it's easy to forget that all of our present abundance was paid for by a sacrifice. May we always have a deep abiding gratitude for all the bounty we partake of freely. May we always be present when we are called on to vote and make changes to our country so we can be accountable for those changes and so we can continue to celebrate our independence day without another civil war. Freedom is by far a most precious gift to be guarded and cherished for there are many who don't share our many freedoms. Happy Independence day!!!