IN THE LAND OF THE FREE

This past week, our nation reflected on the anniversary of September 11, 2001. It is worth reflecting on the resilience of the freedom we often take for granted. The United States of America is known as “the land of the free”, which is a phrase that carries both pride and responsibility. Yet, history has shown that our country is never immune to threat and disaster.

The attacks of 9/11 were a crucial moment for that generation. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost, and the country was forever changed. Beyond the physical attacks, it was an attack on the very ideals of liberty, unity, and security. In the months that followed, America came together in ways never seen before. Flags waved on porches, communities raised money, and strangers became neighbors. The attacks on 9/11 were a reminder that freedom is not just an individual right, but a shared commitment.

But threats to democracy do not just come from abroad. Recent rising political tensions and acts of violence against public figures have invented another danger- the possibility that disagreements could turn into destruction, which we saw this week with the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk -- violence aimed at silencing voices that needed to be heard. Whether conservative, liberal, or anywhere in between, freedom is a privilege we are so lucky to have.

No matter your stance, no matter what you believe, we should all remember those who fought till their deaths to defend this country, and we should do our very best to honor them in any way that we can. As students, we inherit both the freedom and the responsibility of citizenship. Living in the “land of the free” means more than just celebrating rights. It means protecting them for each other. By choosing respect over hostility, and dialogue over division, we hope that the freedom symbolized in our flag that flies remains strong for the future generations to come.

The lessons from 9/11 and recent acts of political violence are clear. Freedom is precious, but only if we defend it together.