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Freedom is Not FreeBy Susan W. Fox
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In August of 2000, I attended the funeral of my beloved grandmother "Nana" at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. As a naval officer's wife, she was entitled to rest there with her son, eventually to be joined by my grandfather a year later. Nana had many clever and witty sayings, which she freely bestowed upon her visiting grandchildren. It was something that I saw inscribed on the Korean Memorial, during that visit to say goodbye, that summarized her insightful words of wisdom: Freedom Is Not Free.
That statement continues to haunt me. Nana would say "The world isn't fair" and "Sometimes you can't always do what you want to" and "You have to think of others before yourself", but that concise statement was her message all wrapped up with a patriotic bow. Having lived a military life and loosing a son in Vietnam, she was familiar with the sacrifices we make, as Americans, for our freedom. Many of us take it for granted. This quilt was made in memory of my Nana, Priscilla N. Williams, for her wisdom and the ability to express it. And for all the men and women who sacrifice so much to preserve the freedom and justice we enjoy today. |