Let Freedom Ring
Terri Webster Schrandt

Sunday Stills: Let #Freedom Ring

Let Freedom Ring

Freedom.

I chose this week’s theme with some trepidation if only to be challenged myself. The uncertainty of Covid-19 still looms, and civil unrest continues to make tragic headlines world-wide.

As many countries are still confined to “stay-at-home” orders, we may feel anything but free. States and counties continue to impose public safety guidelines for wearing masks and physical distancing, some still choosing to delay openings of their economies. Again, many feel our freedoms are impinged upon as this process unfolds.

If you have followed this blog for any length of time you know that I post a positive perspective on play and leisure using photography to underscore my thoughts. We can hear and read the bad news all day long, and I respect fellow bloggers who share their opinions on world events.

While I do not want this post to be another speculative essay on the state of our world, I want to remind us all that as humans, we do enjoy many freedoms.

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the five basic freedoms including freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to assemble, and the right to petition the government.

I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free… so other people would be also free.

Rosa Parks

As we in the US begin to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, let us take a moment to celebrate our freedoms.

The freedom for the government to set aside National Parks and other public lands for all to enjoy. Our freedom to travel to and enjoy these public lands.

Gateway to Yosemite
Tioga Pass Entrance to Yosemite Nat’l Park

The freedom to safely enjoy fireworks in our neighborhoods (where allowed). Please be “safe and sane!”

Home Fireworks
Safe and Sane Fireworks

The freedom to enjoy and appreciate historical monuments.

Washington Monument
Visiting Washington Monument 2008

The freedom to read and to be educated.

Library books on university shelves

The freedom to worship.

Freedom to Worship
Image from Valley Community Church

The freedom to mourn our fallen heroes who sacrificed for our country so that we may be FREE.

Inside Arizona Memorial
Inside the U.S.S Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor

More images that demonstrate freedom.

Blue Angels Air Show Sacramento
Freedom
Cal State Capitol
Flag
SUPing the waves
SpaceX Launch
Students hanging out in the trees
Morning glow on I-5
California-Polar-Bears

There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.

Nelson Mandela

What does freedom look like to you? Share your view of freedom with your photos, creative ideas, stories, poetry, and music. I appreciate you keeping it positive this week.

July themes are available on my Sunday Stills Photography Page.

SUPSIG

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51 comments

  17. I did wonder where to go with freedom too Terri, given the state of things but chose a similar vein to you but from a personal perspective here in Australia. I agree with your sentiments about presenting a positive perspective wherever possible. Great selection of photos and I love that quote by Rosa Parks. Thanks for another interesting prompt this week and take care xx
    Here is my post: https://debs-world.com/2020/06/28/there-is-freedom-within-there-is-freedom-without-%f0%9f%8e%b6/

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. Terri, your photos and captions are as always lovely and thought provoking,

    I do not feel we are under any lack of freedom as much as we are under siege from a virus we little understand and have no reliable defense to protect ourselves. As long as there is more than one person in the world, there will always be laws to help effect equality, opportunity, and safety for the entire population.
    We are not free to enter any store or business unless it’s open.
    We are not free to help ourselves to money from a bank, food from a grocery, species from a nature preserve, or the identity of another person. Though we are permitted to defend ourselves, we are not free to attack another person. Anyone who does any of these activities is subject to arrest and prosecution as a criminal.

    We are not free to selfishly spread a highly dangerous and contagious disease that is unfortunately spread by human contact. Until there is a safe vaccine, we must respect that indulging in selfish and ordinary pursuits endangers the rest of the community.

    Freedom comes at cost. It always has. Choosing to put ourselves in danger is one thing. Choosing to put others in danger is immoral and often illegal.

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  21. Terri,
    Perfect post for this week! We just visited Mt. Rushmore and I felt honored to be in the company of the men in the carvings. Our country is a mess right now…but there’s still a long line of those wanting in. Take it from someone who spent 24 years in the Army–freedom isn’t free.

    Liked by 1 person

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  23. For me, freedom came on December 21st, 2005, when the UK allowed same-sex couples to marry, Terri. It was a long and hard fight to get that freedom, but it was an incredible moment when it happened. Compared to many others, I only played a small part in that fight for freedom. Two months later, I married my partner who I had been with for 12 years at the time. Fourteen years on, many others have joined us in freedom.

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  24. You captured the sense of freedom really well in your post, Terri. As you know from our chosen lifestyle, freedom is one of the most important things we cherish. It doesn’t always come easy and it isn’t always there, but we – hopefully all of us, respectful human beings – will manage to savor it again soon. And, hopefully, those National Parks and parts of the First Amendment will not be taken away from us by a certain person in charge. Happy Fourth of July, next weekend!!

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  25. What a beautifully written post, Terri reminding us of what we can do rather than what we can’t do. Our church started having outdoor services on May 26 with no ill effects. It is early enough that it has been very comfortable. We are lucky to live in such a place with such rich leisure resources. Thanks for always looking for the positive. It is refreshing. 🙂

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      • You handled it well from my perspective. I don’t pretend to fully understand things from any other viewpoints than my own, no matter how I try. We all vary, not just by race, but by age, location, and numerous other demographics. I think what you posted is helpful.

        Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you so much, Lisa! Sadly. we are going to see way too many of those types of fireworks this year. The “safe and sane” ones are fine, it’s the illegal ones that go off nightly for a week and scare my dogs, and keep us awake until 2am! Your jaw would drop at the sight of the Tioga Pass entrance to the high country of Yosemite! Fingers crossed it will be easier to enter the park in 2021! Enjoy your “holiday” wherever you may be!

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