Community Corner

POLL: What Does Freedom Mean to You?

Smyrna-Vinings Patch celebrates Independence Day and wants to know what freedom means to you.

Happy Fourth of July, Smyrna-Vinings! On this our country's 236th birthday, Smyrna-Vinings Patch wants to know what freedom means to you. 

Cobb County's District 2 Commissioner Bob Ott offered these thoughts on what freedom means to him.

"Freedom is the right to express your opinions without the fear of reprisal," he said. "Freedom is deciding your own destiny and living your life as you want.  Freedom is limited government interference. Finally, freedom isn't free. We should all take a moment to say thank you to the brave men and women who serve our country in the armed forces and public safety."

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Smyrna Council Representative Wade Lnenicka reflected on the price of freedom. 

"Freedom is a very personal thing to every person," he said. "It means different things to each of us, based on our life experiences and family history. For me it means that I served in the US Army during the Vietnam era to protect and preserve our freedoms. My father served in the Army during World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater. My grandfather served in the Army during World War I and was badly wounded in France. Other relatives, including a cousin who served as a Womens Air Service Pilot (WASP), also served in various branches of the US military.  Freedom is precious. As we honor our Founders on Independence Day it is good to remember the sacrifices made by so many Americans so that we can live free."

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To you, does freedom mean the right to vote? Financial independence? The right to drive a car regardless of your sex? The right to practice your religion - or not?

What does freedom mean to you? Tell us in the comments.


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