In 2014 we are breaking with tradition and sending our July 4 Grateful Greeting before Memorial Day. These two holidays share an important role in the fabric of our nation. The 4th of July reminds us of the vision upon which our country was founded. A vision of freedom, individual independence, God given rights, and Governments that are instituted to secure these right. Memorial Day reminds us of the price that has been paid over the years to preserve that vision. It speaks of sacrifice, courage, duty, honor, patriotism and country.

History holds many valuable lessons but only if it is taught in such a way as to be fully understood by current and future generations. At a time when we are losing, through death, the generation that “lived” the Second World War we are at risk of losing an understanding of obstacles overcome, courage displayed, and sacrifices endured, and the commitment to preserving the vision of 1776. It is also nearly impossible to imagine what the world and our lives would be like had that generation not responded so completely to the challenges of their time.

The biggest threats to freedom are comfort, complacency, and the contentedness that comes from not understanding the price that has been paid to keep the vision of 1776 alive, and the price that has yet to be paid now and in the future. We must teach this to each generation and constantly guard against the willingness to accept the fruits of those who have gone before us while at the same time being unwilling to carry on the struggle to preserve that which has been so dearly won.

The prevalence of an attitude of entitlement and the willingness to accept a society of dependency clearly reveals an assault on the principals of freedom. Preserving freedom requires action. One form of action is instilling in the next generation an understanding of what is required to be free. Another form of action is voting. We are called to act responsibly for freedom in 2014. Decisions have consequences.

“The history of freedom is never really written by chance, but by choice.”   Dwight Eisenhower

In appreciation of your friendship,

Bradford L. Sims