Please forgive me if I wax a little patriotic this morning… I woke up early this morning (while the rest of my family is still asleep) because I wanted to write something about how thankful I am for the freedoms I enjoy. Here in the United States where I live, today is our Independence Day. For some, it’s a time to enjoy a holiday from work, cook hamburgers on the grill, spend time with family, and watch fireworks. For me, the Fourth of July has always been a bit more reflective — I time to ponder the sacrifices given by so many to ensure the freedoms I enjoy today. Not just the founders of my country, but all those throughout the world who have sacrificed their all to make the world a better place.
As I read the accounts of those throughout the years who have given their all, I can’t help but sit in awe, and wonder. Would I be willing to sacrifice so much for so great a cause? I certainly know that I wouldn’t be able to have the best job in the world and do my part to help the cause of free software if it weren’t for the freedom and agency that I enjoy. So, to all who help make freedom a reality and to those defenders of freedom throughout the world, I salute you. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!
