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Freedom essay contest winner

What Freedom Means To Me

Emma Nelsen

Manson Northwest Webster, Third Place

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in our bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same.” These words, spoken by Ronald Reagan, describe what Americans must do for freedom. Freedom means that I can stand up for just causes and speak out against the unjust. It means I have the freedom to worship and have whatever religion I please, and also have the right to have no religion at all. We, as Americans, decide our fate in this country, what we want, and how we want it; each person has a say and a vote. I have the right to agree and to disagree with whatever I choose. Freedom is a right that at times I take for granted.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The Declaration of Independence, which granted this country freedom, states this; that every man is equal and born with rights that cannot be ignored or denied. To this day our country honors this commitment. Everyone has equal rights and is equally represented in our government; our veterans have fought time and time again to protect this right. In this country I can lead the life I want, not a life someone tells me I should have.

Some people today question the presence of freedom. Many laws are being put into place to limit people’s rights, such as gun control; abortion; tobacco usage; and alcohol and drug usage. However, when you really look at it, everyone has a say in the laws. It is not just one person proposing the laws and enforcing them. This country is run by the people; this is what freedom is. The right to have a say in my government and being able to make a change in my country.

These laws and conditions would not be put into place if everyone disagreed. We are responsible for our freedom, and we must protect it; this is what freedom means to me.

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Freedom essay contest winner

What Freedom Means To Me

Gretta Leigh

Phillips Middle School, Second Place

An early twentieth century preacher named Peter Marshall once said, “May we think of freedom, not as the right to do what we please, but the opportunity to do what is right.” He was correct. Freedom means more than just ‘I can do whatever I want,’ it stands for something greater than that. Our country was founded on freedom, and there are people fighting for it every day. Freedom means opportunity and choices, but it also comes with responsibility.

In the United States, everyone has the choice to be and do what they want. I can make small choices like what to wear and when to eat. I can also make larger choices like who to vote for and where to live. I can choose my career, who I marry what college I attend and pretty much my whole future. Some countries don’t have that freedom. Women are forced to cover their faces, people don’t get to choose what they eat or when, couples aren’t allowed to have as many children as they want, they get their careers chosen for them, and there are arranged marriages. The list goes on and on. There are even countries that sentence their people to death without any evidence of wrongdoing.

Another thing freedom means is opportunity. We have the opportunity to meet new people, express ourselves and to be successful in life. If I wanted to be a doctor freedom gives me the opportunity to get a good education, earn a degree, and with hard work, become a doctor. Almost every opportunity I have ever had is due to the freedom I have enjoyed. It gives us the chance to fulfill our dreams through opportunity.

Freedom is a great thing, but it comes with the responsibility to use it wisely. Your freedom should not interfere with another’s and if it does, you might not deserve that freedom. Nelson Mandela once said “For to be free is not merely to cast off ones chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. We have laws and law-enforcement because some people lack the responsibility to use their freedom appropriately. If less people took it for granted, fewer people would get it taken away.

Most citizens of this country can agree that freedom is a good thing. It allows us to make our own choices and it gives us opportunities for success and happiness. It should be appreciated and cherished, and never taken for granted. Freedom is the basis for the American way of life.

Local News

Freedom Essay Contest winner

What Freedom Means To Me

Jaiden Ackerson, Prairie Valley First Place

“A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” -Bob Dylan

To me freedom means living in a country where democracy matters, being able to have all races and religions peacefully live and work together, and being able to make personal choices while speaking my mind.

However, freedom does not give me the license to do anything I want, whenever I want. With freedom comes responsibility. Freedom allows me to make choices in my life, and those very choices come with consequences. These consequences may affect my life as well as the lives of others. When the consequences of my choices become negative, I may lose some of my freedom, including what activities I do throughout the day, what I wear and who I spend time with, or something as simple as losing the privilege of my cell phone.

Many people in America take freedom for granted. The view freedom as a right, but it is not. Soldiers ultimately pay the price for everyone’s freedom. Without freedom we wouldn’t be able to obtain an education, find the job of our choice,vote, have a family, or live our everyday lives. Freedom is a privilege we must honor.

Freedom allows all citizens to have the right to pursue an education of their choice, to work hard, and to succeed in their communities and lives. We, as free people, also have a responsibility to protect our communities and the people who live there. This freedom spreads beyond me and my community. This freedom is so important to me that I must preserve it for future generations. The greatest display of appreciation for my freedom is to become the best individual I can be. Because of the freedom to dream and turn the dreams to realities, I will become that individual.