logo
Log In Subscribe e-Edition Archives
logo
Log In Subscribe e-Edition Archives
Google Play App Store
  • News
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Photo Gallery
  • Columns/Opinions
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
  • Special Sections
    • News
    • Sports
    • Lifestyle
    • Photo Gallery
    • Columns/Opinions
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
    • Special Sections
Advertisement
Freedom Is Not Free
Columns/Opinions
November 15, 2023
Freedom Is Not Free

Craig Franklin:

I was reminded once again this past weekend that the freedoms we cherish here in the United States did not occur by accident and they certainly aren’t free. There is not a doubt in my mind that the God of this universe orchestrated and provided wisdom to our founding fathers to establish our unique constitution while at the same time provided the bravery needed by the countless veterans that have fought for and defended this great nation.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve covered the Veterans Day events in LaSalle Parish. Our parish has always supported our veterans and this past weekend was no exception.

Although the inclement weather caused many to stay at home, many others dotted the parade route and then attended the program held at the Jena High School gymnasium.

I was especially proud to see the bands and other cheer groups from both parish high schools join together in the parade. It was symbolic of the unity that we as a parish truly have when it comes to the really important matters.

And supporting our veterans is one of those important matters.

In our current society that seems to be selfish in every facet, the Veterans Day programs reminded us of the many who have demonstrated what true patriotism looks like in the unselfish acts of bravery by leaving the comforts of home and defending our nation.

I have never spoken to or interviewed a veteran who would define themselves as brave. In fact, most have told me stories of how very scared they were when placed in situations where their lives were on the line.

But the very fact that they wore the uniform and marched to the front demonstrates that they were in fact brave. Through training, discipline, or perhaps just a special touch from God, they were able to fight when everything in them wanted to just stop and go home.

Although I have never served, I have many in my family that did. My family heritage on both sides is one that includes many soldiers, from WWI, to WWII, to the Korean War and on. My dad never served but his dad and brothers did and his patriotism was instilled in his children from the moment we were born.

I’m proud of everyone in my family who served and I’m especially proud of two of my own sons who enlisted after high school. My oldest son, Tyler, joined the Army National Guard and is still in the service today, graduating earlier this year from sniper school.

My second oldest son, Tanner, is currently on active reserve as he transitions out of active service following four years with the United States Marine Corps. With the war in Israel right now, Tyler could be called up at any moment and Tanner would be one of the first to be reinstated should things escalate.

So, while I have never served, I understand just a little the sacrifice that the men and women make to serve our country with our military. I also understand that while we enjoy our many freedoms, like freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of worship and freedom to vote, those freedoms and many more are not free.

It cost something and that cost is blood. Throughout the 247 years of this great nation, more than 1.1 million people have been killed while fighting for our freedom.

Let that sink in. Over one million people have been killed defending our freedom. We owe so much to them and their ultimate sacrifice.

It is quite ironic that this great nation was also founded upon Christian principles and beliefs. The Christian belief holds that another freedom was also bought with blood.

The Bible makes is very clear that salvation in Jesus Christ is completely free but there was a cost. While we cannot purchase salvation, the price paid was the blood of Jesus as he died upon a cross for our ultimate freedom.

As Veterans Day ended Saturday night, I found myself getting a little ahead on the holidays. No, I was not putting up a tree or playing Christmas music. Instead, I found myself pausing from the busyness of life to stop and thank the Lord for all our veterans have done for us and for Jesus, the ultimate giver of freedom. Freedom from sin and its consequences.

Yes, my friend, freedom is certainly not free.

ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
It might also interest you...
Jena Cancer Survivor Surprised With Warm Welcome Home
Main, News...
Jena Cancer Survivor Surprised With Warm Welcome Home
photos@thejenatimes.net, By Reagan Franklin Knight Assistant Editor 
September 16, 2025
After almost four months of battling cancer, 11-year-old Arianna Harris, a student at Jena Junior High School, was finally coming home to Jena from St...
this is a test
BEST. YEAR. EVER! Sales Along 84 Very Successful
A: Main, News...
BEST. YEAR. EVER! Sales Along 84 Very Successful
Sales Along 84 Very Successful
Staff Report 
September 10, 2025
Sales Along 84 Very Successful Beautiful weather and hundreds of vendors allowed the third annual Sales Along 84 event to experience its best year eve...
this is a test
Discipline Problems At Parish Schools Addressed
A: Main, News
Discipline Problems At Parish Schools Addressed
By Craig Franklin Editor 
September 10, 2025
“We need to make sure we are doing what we can to make sure our employees feel like they don’t have to quit their job because the kids are so bad.” – ...
this is a test
Two Camaros Stolen From Billy Wood Ford
A: Main, News
Two Camaros Stolen From Billy Wood Ford
By Craig Franklin Editor 
September 10, 2025
Two Chevrolet Camaros were stolen from the front lot of the Billy Wood Ford dealership in Jena last week and as of Monday morning, no arrests have bee...
this is a test
Over 700 Youth Impacted by #thrive
A: Main, News
Over 700 Youth Impacted by #thrive
School Board hears update from LEDD
By Craig Franklin Editor 
September 10, 2025
“When the grant application period first came out in 2019, I thought, ‘What can we do in LaSalle Parish to really make an impact on our kids?’” said L...
this is a test
New HVAC for JHS Auditorium
News
New HVAC for JHS Auditorium
By Craig Franklin Editor 
September 10, 2025
The Jena High School auditorium will soon receive a new heating and cooling system thanks to the LaSalle Parish School Board (LPSB) approving the reno...
this is a test
ACE Circular
Advertisement
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ACE Circular
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Search Public Notices

The Jena Times
OLLA-TULLOS-URANIA SIGNAL
P: (318) 992-4121

Office Hours:
Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm
Sat-Sun, Closed

This site complies with ADA requirements

© The Jena Times

  • Advertisers
  • Contact
  • Privacy Accessibility Policy