California Highway Patrol - Southern Division

Community: The Cost of Freedom

Dear Pepperdine Libboard,

What Does Freedom Mean?

In the timeless words of President John F. Kennedy, "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."
These words are powerfully etched into the annals of history as a proclamation of the price Americans are willing to pay for freedom. Which begs the question, why is freedom so costly and what does it mean?

For some it means freedom from mental or physical captivity. For others it means not being bound to anything or anyone and having the freedom of expression. The inspiring and incredible story of humanity is its constant quest for freedom despite the overwhelming odds of oppression. Regardless of who you are or where you're from, freedom is the sacred right that our Founding Fathers worked so diligently to establish.

There's no question that Americans are patriotic. We admire our public safety personnel, emergency responders and healthcare professionals. We proudly sing the Star Spangled Banner at our schools, sporting events and ceremonies. There is a profession though, that Americans respect and is unrivaled by none; our men and women of our military and we honor them on Memorial Day.

For some Memorial Day means not going to work and a day of celebration with family. Yet, for our entire nation it's a day of remembrance, remembrance of the lives of every single Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Coast Guardsman and Airman who have been killed in defense of our nation. Memorial Day is the reminder of the debt of gratitude we carry in our heart for every life lost in the pursuit of freedom.

On this Memorial Day weekend, let us pause momentarily from our picnics and barbecues to reflect upon the true meaning of Memorial Day and to remember those Americans who, in service to the nation, gave in the words of Lincoln "the last full measure of devotion." May they rest in eternal peace and may their devotion to the nation be ever remembered. – Dave Oldani, Manchester, MO.

Celebrate Responsibly!
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Contact Information:
Officer Edgar Figueroa
California Highway Patrol Southern Division PIO Unit
818-240-8200
efigueroa@chp.ca.gov

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