The Choice of Freedom

It is so difficult to write about one's beliefs, On the Freedoms and Liberty we have. Throughout our history events are replete, Of the ones who have died, our Freedoms to save. I go back in time when I look at our past, And wonder if our children will see. The pain and strife born in Freedom's birth, And the lives that have been sacrificed for Liberty. The Revolution started all the fuss, When King George wanted his taxes. It got us the Freedom we used for all, And lives to this day when we talk of the "Evil of Axis". We've had to fight as a people united, By cause, or strife, or enemy attack. From 1812 to Afghanistan, For Freedom and Liberty to stay on track. There have been too many wars, And battles in name have never been few. Like Chateau Thierry, Iwo Jima, and even Tet, Where our countrymen have paid their dues. We have had the plights of other concerns, That many around the world don't construe, As a helping hand to all of them, Except when they need us to. Some say "Why send an Aircraft Carrier to a blighted zone, Where people need all kinds of medical support"? They forget that one of those ship is a floating city in itself, With aircraft, hospitals, doctors, and our country's flag it will sport. Then there is the overwhelming clamor, Of those who want to come here to live and stay. They know so little of our history, Only that Freedom and Liberty is our way. They want that Freedom for themselves as well, And a Liberty which will let them choose. They see us as a beacon then, When their own freedoms they all but lose. Life, Liberty, The Pursuit of Happiness, The words our Founding Fathers swore... Are Actions we take for granted each day, With the Freedoms which we adore. What does Freedom and Liberty mean? It's just as plain as plain can be. Because I want the Liberty to live my life, And have the Freedom to wear it on my sleeve.