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Our children are growing up in a time of war. That’s the awful reality. But there is a consolation. Americans who grow up in a time when freedom is threatened have a unique appreciation for liberty.
Since our liberties begin with the rights of the individual, it’s vital that our children grow up knowing how those liberties—and their responsibilities—work.
The expressions of liberty presented here are the wonderfully spontaneous first impressions of children. They instinctively understand liberty because they are fortunate enough to be growing up in a land where freedom is natural and commonplace. But as they grow older, they must learn how precious it really is, and how tirelessly it must be defended. Their deeper understanding of and appreciation for liberty is essential for our future. We cannot let them down. —David Asman
Editor’s Note: American Profile, and Fox News Channel, asked people across the country for their opinions on the freedoms we enjoy and the responsibilities we inherit as United States citizens. This is the first installment of a four-part series titled Democracy in America.
What Does Freedom Mean to Our Children?
In the United States, students usually get their first lessons in liberty in the classroom, where civics and American history are taught to the next generation of young voters and citizens.
American Profile asked students and teachers in four small towns—each with a star-spangled name—to write essays about what freedom means to them.
For some students, freedom is an ideal rooted in the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution—freedom to express their opinions, associate with whom they want and worship as they please. For others, freedom is more practical, from their ability to pursue a career of their choice or play their favorite sport.
Some students noted that school dress codes and parental rules limit their freedom. Still, most said they are grateful to live in the United States and know that freedom shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Excerpts from selected student essays appear on these pages. They speak volumes about what the next generation of Americans thinks about freedom.
Liberty, Ky.
Founded by Revolutionary War veterans, Liberty (pop. 1,850) is the seat of government in Casey County, 597 miles from Washington, D.C., the seat of our federal government.
On a sunny spring day, the voices of George Washington, Betsy Ross, Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty echo through the flag-decorated halls of Liberty Elementary School. It’s patriotic dress-up day at the school and a group of fifth- and sixth-grade students are instructing their younger schoolmates about the bald eagle, Liberty Bell, Bill of Rights and other symbols of American freedom and democracy. Later, students and teachers answer the question “What does freedom mean to you?”
“Freedom is liberty and Liberty is my home.”
—Lindsey Martin, 11
“Although having freedom in our country doesn’t enable us to do everything we please, it gives us the right to do what we should.”
—Kathleen Marie Harrison, 11
“Freedom is what my grandpa, great-uncles, cousins and other family members helped keep. It’s something that we have to reach out (and) grab and hold tight.”
—Breanna Warner, 12
“Freedom can mean many different things to many different people. That’s why I love America and would choose it over any place in the world. God bless the USA.”
—Christian Lee, 12
“Freedom means a lot to me. Can you imagine our lives without freedom? I know I sure could not.”
—Brooke Ponder, 11
“As a female in this country, freedom has allowed me to pursue a career of my choice.”
—Sally Davis, third-grade teacher
“Freedom means that a young student may attain knowledge in their mind and heart. Freedom means that a student can have a dream of their future.”
—Michelle Roy, fifth-grade teacher
Liberty, Texas
Liberty (pop. 8,033), located in one of the oldest settled areas of East Texas, played a critical role during the Texas Revolution. Some 50 citizens of Liberty fought in the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto, helping Texas win its independence from Mexico.
“Freedom is what makes your soul feel free and happy.”
—T’Rance Brown, 14
“Freedom is a special gift. It is a gift that you can not take for granted, and I am glad to know that I have this special gift.” —Patrick Bueno, 13
“Freedom is like a box of colors. You know which color you want, so choose it.”
—Alyssa Neathery, 13
“Freedom means not being restricted or held back from doing what you believe in.”
—Dante Winters, 14
“Freedom means we all have equal rights. People of all races can use the same bathrooms and eat at the same restaurants. I can sit with my friends, no matter what race they are, and eat lunch.”
—Elizabeth Raleigh, 12
“I’m proud of my freedom. It allows me to speak out against anything I believe is wrong. This is important to me because I don’t have to live my life in fear.”
—Kaitlin Wood, 13
“Freedom means you can walk outside in pajamas to get the Sunday newspaper and not care about what people think about you.”
—Stefanie Pontasch, 13
“Freedom is something earned, not bought.”
—John-Erik Zalesak, 13
Independence, Iowa
Independence (pop. 6,014) was founded in 1847 and named in honor of one of nation’s most memorable documents and holidays, the Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776, or Independence Day. The town’s motto is “America’s fame is in our name.”
“Freedom allows me to determine who I am.”
—Travis McBride, 14
“America is pretty much the definition of freedom.”
—Kylee Callahan, 14
“To me, freedom means to live life to its fullest potential.”
—Joey Corkery, 14
“Freedom is so important to me that I would lay down my life so someone else could cherish it more than me.”
—Joey Auer, 14
“Freedom is always, in my opinion, underestimated.”
—Abby Shields, 14
“To me, freedom is something that would be hard to live without.”
—Chelsea Robb, 13
“To me, freedom means Americans have the right to go to church every Sunday.”
—Danielle Bonefas, 14
“Freedom is what the world should have.”
—Michael O’Brian Weidemann, 14
“Freedom means being yourself without holding back and without a second thought.”
—Cora Ganman, 14
Freedom, Pa.
Established along the Ohio River in 1832, Freedom (pop. 1,763) was founded by Jonathan Betz and Stephen Phillips, owners of a steamboat building business, and incorporated six years later.
“Freedom is life without fear.”
—Jesse Johnston, 12
“Freedom is the place I love, the place where my whole family lives, and where I want to live even when I am an adult.” —Lindsay Kitzman, 12
“Freedom means the sky is the limit.”
—Sara Murphy, 12
“To have freedom is to choose what you’re going to be or do when you grow up.”
—Lindsay August, 12
“Freedom means that you can scream to the top of the mountain.”
—Marqués Muron, 12
“Freedom is passing your customs, traditions, and beliefs on to your children.”
—Tina Strati, sixth-grade teacher
“Freedom is the opportunity, unique to American citizens, to be all one can be. Freedom allows all people to fully develop their unique talents and skills to their highest level. Freedom allows the development of the mind, body, and soul.”
—Peter Kappas, eighth-grade teacher
“Being free means everything to me, and no one can take it away.”
—Erik Johnson, 13
“Freedom is an expression of love, honor, hope and individuality for the people and country.”
—Amy Fitsko, 14
“To me freedom is about the men and women fighting for our future because freedom doesn’t come free.”
—Zane Zeigler, 11
“Freedom is being able to celebrate the Fourth of July, watching fireworks to celebrate our independence, and celebrating the stars and stripes on the flag.”
—Becca Fleming, 12
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