by Kevin Schwendeman

Created on: September 08, 2008

With what could be argued the most important election of our lifetimes looming in November, now is the time many Americans begin to redefine what America means to them. There are some that define America along political party lines and some who view America in a more philosophical way. However you slice it, Americans do have one thing in common: freedom.

As a child America meant simpler more tangible things to me. A red, white and blue flag, fireworks, 50 states, and the pledge of allegiance recited in school every day. Being young it didn't occur to me that the very safety I enjoyed while running to the park or taking the bus to school was bought by those who came before me. My family certainly instilled a respect for country into me, but it wasn't until later in life that I truly realized what freedom means.

In college, like many young people, everything I did was focused more on me than others. This self-serving lifestyle accomplished absolutely nothing but to make my own mother worry and my school work to suffer. World events occurred beyond my shortsighted vision. I neglected religion, a vital freedom in America and a cornerstone of my upbringing, for a cold beer and slice of crappy pizza. I didn't vote and didn't care enough to recognize that in some places in this world that right is non-existent. I took America for granted.

In September of 2001 I moved to Chicago with some friends. Ten days later the towers fell. In just one clear morning, the world became a much larger and much scarier place. We scrambled to contact friends in New York and called family to assure them that we were safe in our apartment away from the Sears tower or the Hancock building should those be targets as well. For the next several days we sat glued to the television as we watched all of America come together and show the world the infinite strength and resilience of its people.

Soon after I found a job and that led me to meeting my wife. With her as inspiration I was able to take control of my life. I rediscovered my faith and began to take better care of myself. I am thankful that I can practice my faith free from oppression. This is a gift purchased with blood and sacrifice. In 2004 I voted for the first time. The realization that attacks and explosions happen every day in some parts of the world drove me to embrace the basic rights of every American. How could I take them for granted when so many are robbed of them?

This past Independence Day my wife and I invited family to our

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