Freedom rings in 2020!

As a reminder of a wound not easily healed it is true that Freedom comes at a terrible cost as I was reminded of the grotesque reality of its struggle during a visit of the Andersonville National Cemetery and National prisoner of war museum.

In Andersonville Georgia there lies the cite of Camp Sumpter Military Prison during the American civil war. Being the largest prison of its kind, the visitors can get a small glimpse of the hardships that claimed the lives of more than 13,000 prisoners during its 14 months of operation.

While being a terrible example of how people can be treated when human worth is stripped away, I also see another more powerful example of the America Spirit. I cannot but stand in awe over the bravery of those perished even though they were offered release if they agreed to abandon the Union and fight for the Confederacy.

The monuments erected by the States of the fallen are a wonderful tribute for those that gave the ultimate price for the privileges of today easily taken for granted. One monument struck me with great pride to be an American. The New Jersey monument has an inscription that reads "death before dishonor".

Thank you to the fallen, your sacrifice will not be forgotten.