Freedom, sacrifice part of July 4th

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Carter
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Fireworks. Hot dogs. Hamburgers. Celebration. Many words can describe the Fourth of July, but when asked what Independence Day means to me; freedom, sacrifice and equality were the first words that came to my mind.

Freedom. The signing of the Declaration of Independence declared our freedom from England on July 4, 1776, which eventually led to the United States being formed. Freedom is something this nation has fought for since the beginning.

As an Airman in the world's greatest Air Force, freedom is something that I do not take for granted. I know that freedom is something that has to be fought for and protected. Freedom is not freely given.

Sacrifice. I read an anonymous quote the other day that made me stop and reflect. It said, "Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each Airman, Marine, Soldier, Sailor, and Coast Guardsman who died protecting it."

The military has been a part of my life since I was born. My dad is a retired master sergeant and deployments were a regular part of life when I was growing up. As a military dependent, I sacrificed my time with my dad so that he could defend this country. When I followed in his footsteps and became an Airman, I swore under oath that I would lay down my life for this country and all that I love, which is the ultimate sacrifice that many before me have already experienced.

Equality. "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," reads the Declaration of Independence.

Equality is not commonplace for every country. As Americans, we have liberties that the government cannot infringe upon and equality is a protection that makes America what it is today.

This Independence Day there will be fireworks in celebration and the air around you may be filled with the aroma of hot dogs and hamburgers sizzling to perfection on a charcoal grill. As you watch the fireworks burst in the sky, don't forget to celebrate our freedoms, our sacrifices and our equality.

The United States is the home of the free because of the brave. I am proud to be an American Airman. Happy Fourth of July.