Let Freedom Ring
When Paul Revere made his famous ride through the streets of Boston, he did so because of love and reverence for this country – a young and threatened land that held promise of hope and glory. And he was willing to do it because he must have realized that freedom is not easily obtained that it does not come without effort and sacrifice.
The hope that inspired Paul Revere and has stimulated other great men throughout history, is man’s eternal hope for freedom and liberty. The wars in which this country has been involved, including our own terrible Civil War, were fought because someone was seeking freedom. If we think it strange that one would be willing to fight and die for this precious gift, we must remember Pearl Buck’s words: “None who have always been free can understand the terrible fascinating power of the hope of freedom to those who are not free.”1
It is this hope of freedom that is the foundation for all other hopes. Libert is the first step; it is the great blessing that has come to this country and made all else possible. As Thomas Jefferson once remarked, “How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of…”2
But again, we would emphasize that freedom does not come or remain without effort. It is a responsibility as much as it is a privilege, and only through work and respect of the rights of others is it allowed to flourish. William Channing wrote: “The spirit of liberty is not as multitudes imagine a jealousy of our own particular rights, but a respect for the rights of others, and an unwillingness that any one whether high or low should be wronged or trampled under foot.”3
Let us say it another way: Heed the teachings of the Savior. Follow the example of Christ. If there is one prerequisite this nation needs to preserve its freedom, it would be adherence to the gospel of Jesus Christ. As one author wrote: “…this is a choice land and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage and from captivity…if they will but serve the God of the land who is Jesus Christ…”4 Millions upon millions have found hope, equality, and opportunity in this land. May it always be so, and may we always be aware of the responsibility each of us carries to let freedom ring.
1Pearl S. Buck, What America Means to Me
2Thomas Jefferson
3William Ellery Channing, as quoted in New Dictionary of Thoughts
4Book of Mormon, Ether 2:12
July 02, 1972
Broadcast Number 2,232