Peaceful assembly

In addition to the freedom of speech, the First Amendment guarantees us the right to peaceful assembly. Pro-life groups regularly exercise both freedoms at the FPA Women's Health facility in Downey. Today, about a dozen pro-life protesters gathered outside, handing out brochures.

Did you know that, at 8 weeks...

• The baby's heartbeat, which has been beating for one month already, can be heard on an office ultrasonic stethoscope.
• Brain waves were measurable two weeks ago.
• The baby feels pain and responds to touch.

"We cannot diminish the value of one category of human life — the unborn — without diminishing the value of all human life."
~ Ronald Reagan

Living in liberty

White crosses are scattered around the cemetery. These are the veterans we are here to remember. As I walked across the grass to attend the Memorial Day service today, I was thinking of those brave individuals. 1.8 million have given their lives for America since 1775. And some of them are buried right here in Downey.

Today I found grave stones from those who served in the Civil War (both sides), the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember the fallen, those who gave their lives so that we might live with freedom and liberty. It is important that we take time to be intentional about honoring these fallen heroes and not forget their sacrifice.
































"On this Memorial Day, we honor the sacrifices of prior generations. We honor the sacrifices of the men and women next door who have served or continue to serve our country. And we pledge never to forget the true meaning of Memorial Day. We would not have the privilege of celebrating this day and honoring so many memories without the sacrifices of those who gave their last full measure of devotion." 
~ Walter Borneman

Freedom of expression

Tomorrow is Election Day in the U.S. Of course, it's an off year, so there's not very much on the ballot. Where I live, there's only a race for various members of the local school board.

One of the fundamental freedoms of a democracy—after the freedom to vote itself—is the freedom of expression. Whether it's picketing on a city street or, in this case, supporting your chosen candidate by posting signs (as many as you want!) in your yard, the freedom to express our beliefs and opinions is one of those things that we count on even as we take it for granted.

"If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all."
~ Noam Chomsky

Les Braves

With Memorial Day less than a week away, I seemed appropriate to use a couple of my pictures from France. While in Normandy, we visited Omaha Beach - one of the D-Day landing sights. On the now peaceful beach stands a sculpture by Anilore Banon, dedicated to honor the courage of the sons, husbands, and fathers who endangered and sacrificed their lives in hopes of freeing the French people.

There are three elements to the memorial:
1. The Wings of Hope - so that the spirit which carried these men on 6th June 1944, continues to inspire us, reminding us that together it is always possible to change the future.
2. Rise of Freedom - So that the example of those who rose up against barbarity, helps us remain standing strong against all forms of inhumanity.
3. The Wings of Fraternity - So that the surge of brotherhood always reminds of our responsibility towards others as well as ourselves.
On 6th June 1944, these men were more than soldiers, they were our brothers.