Religious Freedom Isn’t Free

I read my Bible every morning and leave it sitting openly on my desk in view of anyone who enters the office. While driving across the city on my way to church, I listen to encouraging worship music and hear the Word of God proclaimed freely on the radio.

At home, I have the ability to go online and read the news, including articles that criticize the actions of our president—an offense that is illegal in many countries. A few weeks ago, I hosted a virtual prayer rally for the National Day of Prayer observance with thousands of Nebraskans and faith and government leaders.

The truth is every day, you and I enjoy liberties that most of the world could only dream about: the freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, rights to assemble and petition, the right to bear arms, freedom from unreasonable search and seizures, rights in criminal cases, the right to a fair trial, and many others.

On the last Monday of every May, our country takes a moment to pause and remember the men and women who sacrificed everything to defend our most cherished freedoms. As I consider my many blessings, I am filled with gratitude to all the military service members who gave their lives, so you and I can freely live out our faith.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” – President Ronald Reagan

This Memorial Day weekend, let us take time to honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, commit to vote for candidates who will protect our freedoms, and teach the value of freedom to our children and grandchildren.

Freedom isn’t free. It comes at a price. Remember the fallen today, and pray for their loved ones who mourn the loss of their soldier.

May God bless America today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.