Presidents Day

On February 21, 2022, we celebrate Presidents Day, which is traditionally viewed as a time of patriotic celebration and remembrance.  Today we remember the leaders chosen to lead our nation, and their first ladies, through some of their inspiring quotes on leadership and on freedom.  Here are some of my favorites:

George Washington, the foremost figure in the founding of our nation once said on freedom: “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.”

John Quincy Adams also said, "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader."  

And to be a leader comes with great responsibility as quoted by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, “Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility.”  She stated that the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.  She also stated in her Foreword, “You Learn by Living”, that the Freedom of which men speak, for which they fight, seems to be some perilous thing.  And I agree with her.  Freedom is not free.  I know, because I have lost friends during the war, Operation Iraqi Freedom.  But we are freedom loving people, and we will continue to defend this country to be free.  I cherish my freedom and I am cognizant of the responsibility that comes with it.

President Ronald Reagan also gave a very inspiring quote in his inaugural address when he said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.  It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”

President Barack Obama said, “A freedom that only asks what’s in it for me, a freedom without commitment to others, a freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, is unworthy of our founding ideals, and those who died in their defense”.

On this Presidents Day please join me to reflect on these leaders who have inspired us, and cherish this amazing gift of freedom.  May you have a happy, safe Presidents Day holiday!

Aurea, Silent Freedom