Happy July 4th: Freedom Is The Cry of Every Man!

Today in the United States of America we celebrate 235 years of independence. Our nation was founded on the creed that all men are created equal and that each person is entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

On this day, at the Upbeat Dad, we pause to celebrate this milestone and also to reflect on the sacrifices that so many men and women have made to preserve the freedom that we enjoy. Country singer Toby Keith sings, "Freedom (doesn't) come free." There's certainly a price that many have paid to protect this land. And some have paid the ultimate price by laying down their lives on the battlefield.

As I think of the purpose of our organization and this day that we celebrate, I can't help but think of the many military families that are impacted as this nation writes its story. Ours is not a perfect nation but still, I believe that the principles on which it was founded are noble. And many military families are directly affected as the nation seeks to live up to its ideals.


In so many cases, soldiers are deployed to the battlefield and in the process, they leave behind loved ones who do not know whether or not they will see them again. Many go to war and never return home. Some do return but remain traumatized by the reality of life on battlefield.


Just yesterday evening I was watching NBC Nightly News and there was a feature on a group of young military widows who lost their husbands in battle in Afghanistan and Iraq. They formed a support group to do activities together and to share their stories as they try to heal from the scars of their mutual tragedies. Their children will never have their dads to guide them through the different phases of life. Indeed, some families have suffered greatly in the name of freedom.

We celebrate the birth of this great land today and we do so with knowledge that we owe a debt of gratitude to those who have made great sacrifices on our behalf. The words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. still echo today, "Let freedom ring!" Indeed, it rings and we honor those who have given of themselves to ensure our liberty.

I'll conclude this post with my poem Freedom is the Cry of Every Man. As you read it, whether or not you reside in the United States, I hope that you would willingly embrace the truth that each person deserves the right to be free.

Freedom is The Cry of Every Man

Freedom is the cry of every man—

a foundation on which to stand.

Freedom to think, to imagine, to be;

freedom brings dreams to reality.

How can the bird fly unless it’s free?

Or dreams take flight without eyes to see?

The eyes of the wise are the ones we should cherish,

for when there's no vision, we surely will perish.

A free mind can make a pauper a king

when it discovers the potential deep within.

It marches to the sound of its own unique beat,

and helps make the life of a dreamer complete.

All men should have the liberty

to live their dreams – whatever they may be.

For every man deserves the right

to soar like an eagle to higher heights.

I hope you are able to connect with your friends and loved ones on this day. And if you know any family that has sacrificed in any way to help to build and protect this great land that we love, do express your gratitude for the price that they have paid.

May this be a special day for you and yours.

The Upbeat Dad