What The Freedom Wall Represents for Veterans

GRAND TERRACE>> On Nov. 11, 2016, there will be many family members and both present and former veterans honoring their comrade in arms at the dedication of the Veterans Wall of Freedom in Grand Terrace, California. The journey to this point has been long, but the results are great. While we enjoy the recognition service of this event, we must re-collect on the true meaning of FREEDOM as is depicted by this monument. When we look up the definition of this word, there are many meanings that come to the forefront, such as, “Freedom, Independence, Liberty refers to an absence of undue restrictions and an opportunity to exercise one’s rights and powers. Freedom emphasizes the right given to exercise one’s powers, desires, rights or the like; freedom of speech or conscience, freedom of movement, freedom to worship as one would want, and the freedom to bear arms, if needed. Independence implies not only lack of restrictions but also the ability to stand alone, unsustained by anything else: Independence of thought promotes discovery and invention. Liberty though most often interchanges with freedom as it implies the undue exercise of freedom.” James Russell who wrote the “Stanzas of Freedom” has said, “Freedom is from your goodness, not from your power. As the purpose of freedom is to create it for others, it is one thing you can’t have unless you give it to others. Before you enjoy freedom you have to first control yourself. You should not make yourself a nuisance to others. True freedom is to share.” On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, this year at 1:30 p.m., the city of Grand Terrace will dedicate it’s Veterans Wall of Freedom at Pico Park in Grand Terrace to showcase those rights of freedom described by Mr. Russell. A 21 gun salute will honor those who have defended our freedom from the beginning times of our country until now. Everyone is invited to attend this ceremony.