The Voice of Freedom

During the war last year I did a lot of patriotic writing. I tried to encourage the few soldiers I was in contact with, attempted to keep folks back home interested in the effort, even emailed the President several times. I figured I was 4-F, but I could still do my part using whatever talents God gave me. My concern, even then, was that we would lose interest in the war on terrorism, in the Iraqi people, in our brave young people in uniform. Lo and behold, we did. How fickle we are. Many of the ideals we were fighting for, are still fighting for, should not be forgotten so easily or taken so lightly. Let us keep this inalienable right and privilege in the forefront of our national mind. For, when we take freedom for granted, we are prone to forget how many people the world over still long for it, still struggle for it, still only dream of it. Whatever our personal distractions or political disagreements, may we never turn a deaf ear to the voice of freedom.


The Voice of Freedom
I am the voice of freedom
The words of Franklin and Jefferson
The cry of Patrick Henry
And the cheers of the minutemen
Mine was the pen of Francis Scott Key
In the battle of Baltimore
As he saw the stars and stripes flying
At dawn on that smoke shrouded shore
I was at Vicksburg and Shiloh
Harpers Ferry, Pea Ridge and Bull Run
Lincoln spoke of me at Gettysburg
After that bloody battle was done
I was sung by immigrants
As they passed the Statue of Liberty
I was heard in the trenches of France
And I returned at Normandy
Twice, I spread across Europe
As my oppressors fell and fled
Rising out of the hearts of men
Who thought I was left for dead
Even today, I linger
Upon the lips of those who are just
Who right the wrongs of evil men
By making the sacrifices they must
Whenever a people downtrodden
Dare to whisper a prayer of me
Wherever a tyrant is toppled
By the ideals of democracy
I will be there, upon their lips
In the step, in the heart, in the eyes
Of those who struggle against oppressors
For I am their battle cry
I resound throughout the nations
Overcoming both doubt and fear
I am the voice of freedom
The voice all men long to hear

By Frank Carpenter ©