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Declaring Freedom

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."--The Declaration of Independence

Since the attack on America on September 11, 2001, and in the midst of war today, we, as Americans, are extremely cautious of our rights and freedoms. They are no longer taken for granted.

As a nation of freedom, we need to guard our freedoms, but we also need to be brave and not ignore what is happening to the freedom of other nations.

My friend's family and I recently conducted a drive to collect household items to fulfill the needs of a Welcome to America program that would help put together an apartment for a family of three coming to our country from Bosnia.

This family consisted of a father and his two grown children. They escaped a country torn apart by war, no longer safe for them to live in. It no longer offered them liberty or the pursuit of happiness. They were included in the groups of citizens that were forced to flee their homes and run through the streets to find shelter from sniper fire. They snuck out at night when it was considered "safe" to find food.

Many homes were destroyed by bombing and cannon fire attacks as the Serbs grew to control Bosnia. The supplies of water, gas, and electricity were cut off.

Refugees were forced to leave. Many of them walked long distances in terrible weather conditions with little protection. When they came to a city that they felt would provide them with security, they soon came to the realization that it was just like the one they had fled. There were no safe places to live and food was scarce.

The Kurtesevic family eventually was able to take refuge in a neighboring country. After six years their dream of coming to America was granted to them. They are currently living in Pennsylvania, are employed, and are learning to speak our language, all with wonderful success.

Even though they show photographs of family members and friends left behind, they are anxiously awaiting the day when they will be proud citizens of America. As citizens of the prosperous country that we live in, we are shocked to hear of such living conditions and senseless killing in countries torn apart by civil war.

Refugees are not a threat to our country in any way. They are simply ordinary people just like us in need of help and protection. Because they are so grateful to be in America, they often become our most valuable citizens, giving without asking in return.

Being an American means opening our arms and hearts when we can provide a safe haven to those who do not have as many freedoms. I am grateful and feel privileged, as an American citizen, to have had the opportunity to welcome and meet a family who has lost their freedoms they once were so grateful to have.

They lost the right to live their life as they choose to lead it, and the opportunity to find happiness. I hope that they can again find the freedoms they once knew. After several visits with the Kurtesevic family, I have come to value the freedoms we enjoy everyday in this country.

As patriots of this country, my friends and I open the heart of America and welcome families and individuals in need of a safe place to live. We may not be able to accept everyone who would like to live in this land of opportunity, but for every door we open, we reinforce the ideals upon which our country was founded.

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