Letter to the editor: The light of liberty

To the editor:

Liberty's hand-held, golden flamed torch is proudly depicted at various locations in Catskill and Athens because it is a powerful symbol intended to remind local residents―and every American―of the bountiful legacy of Liberty we have inherited from the noble Patriots who suffered, struggled and sacrificed their lives throughout our nation's history so that we may be given this day and the freedom to enjoy our daily bread and our pursuits of happiness.

In gratitude for reaping the benefits of our nation's hard-won freedoms, we should offer thanks frequently and give a hats-off salute to America's caretakers of liberty: our military veterans―especially the fourteen thousand or so noble Patriots who spent the winter of 1777-1778 with inadequate shelter on the frozen, sacred ground at Valley Forge. They contended with the deprivations and miseries of starvation, disease and exposure―some requiring amputations as a result of frostbite. Many went without socks, mittens, footwear and adequate clothing.

To our good fortune, the trials and tribulations these valiant men endured that woeful winter resulted in the founding of a glorious nation “conceived in liberty” where, for the first time in human history, future generations would have the opportunity to pursue their dreams in a freedom-loving, freedom-defending land. Always remember their heroic efforts and be grateful for the sacred gifts they have bestowed upon us.

Thankfully, the light from Liberty's flaming torch still remains a beacon of hope for the oppressed peoples of the world; a torch that exists to shine the light of freedom into the darkened recesses of our planet; the darkened recesses where the enemies of freedom and the destroyers of civilization dwell and conspire to deliver “Death to America” in order to achieve their goal of abolishing America's greatest, national treasures of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These are treasures that, to this day, don't exist in many parts of the world; treasures that freedom-loving Americans honor and cherish enough to live and die for.

It is hoped that seeing Liberty's flaming torch being held aloft will remind us of how fortunate and blessed we are to be citizens of the USA, a place where we can live the way we aspire to live in a land of promise and opportunity―a land that strives to insure “freedom and justice for all.”

It should be a consolation to all Americans to know with certainty that not only does the light of Liberty offend our nation's enemies, it will, someday, vanquish them. In the words of Thomas Paine, “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness that gives everything its value.” Let us, therefore, the privileged citizens of America, esteem our nation's invaluable liberties. They were not obtained cheaply and they must be defended. They are exceedingly dear and priceless!

Happy 250th Birthday, America!

Kevin Vincent Kelly

Catskill, NY

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The views expressed in letters to the editor are those ofthe author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position ofPorcupine Soup.

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