The Meaning of Freedom

Freedom is a strong word. The word itself cannot be tied down to one idea or belief. Americans, especially, find that word sentimental; freedom is the seed of this nation.

My family and I came to this country as refugees from a civil war in 1995. My parents did not know English, they did not know anybody in America, and they left with only what they could carry. The greatest thing they brought was hope. We hoped for freedom of opportunity. So it should be no surprise that I do not take the founding of this country lightly, or that I become exponentially more sentimental when discussing it. That is precisely the feeling I find myself experiencing during many of our study tours, but even more so this past weekend when WAIP visited Philadelphia.

Our tour guide, Helen McKenna, in Independence Hall

During our time there, we went on a tour of Independence Hall. Our tour guide, Helen McKenna, was superb and did a wonderful job instilling thoughtful questions into our minds, as well as providing us information, stories, and fun facts. On the courtroom side of the Hall (not pictured), Helen made us participate in an interactive poll; stand to x side of the room if you believe laws restrict your freedom, and stand to y side of the room if you believe laws protect your freedom. We were able to discuss and argue our positions, though few did, and change sides if we wished. She then guided us to think about how different the room looks (how many people are on what side) depending on any occurring events in the region, i.e. the Pope's visit. Then, she led us to the other side of the Hall where our founding fathers so heroically stood to discuss the future of this nation and the document we all know as the Constitution of the United States of America. The room was full of inspirational energy. Once again, I found myself thinking about the journey my family made, and the unimaginable struggles countless people around this world are facing in order to protect and defend their freedom. She shared with us pictures of people who courageously fought for freedom: Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglas, and Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Then, Helen shared some words with us that are etched into my mind forever; at the end of one of her tours, just as she was concluding with ours, a man from South African Apartheid told her, "The winds of freedom blew all the way from your country to mine. That's why I'm here today," and handed her a coin.

I still get emotional thinking about this moment, about what those words meant to me and how I identified with them. In the turmoil we face every day it is important to remind ourselves of the struggles before us to truly enjoy the view we have. There is no greater responsibility we have in this country than freedom. So, what does that mean to you?

the winds of freedom blew all the way from
your country to mine...

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Sarina