The Fragilities of Freedom

The Fourth of July is more than just a day off work, a backyard barbecue, or a spectacular fireworks display. It is a day that signifies the birth of our nation, a day to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the sacrifices that have been made to secure them.

And yet, as the rest of the country celebrates, I can’t help but consider the duality of this holiday in our community. This fourth will mark two years since a tragic shooting rocked our community. We lost family, friends, and neighbors. Other victims are still recovering, others might never. So what is freedom on the North Shore? How can we celebrate when the wounds of this tragedy are just as fresh and just as raw as they were two years ago?

The simple answer is: We have to.

We have to celebrate not just in spite of our pain, but because of it. We have to show that nothing can take away our joy and our freedom. Together, our community has shown resilience and strength beyond measure. Freedom in the North Shore is about our ability to come together, to mourn together, and to rebuild together. It is about honoring the memories of those we lost by continuing to cherish the freedoms they cherished. It is about remembering our commitments to those wounded and yet unhealed.

Celebrating the Fourth of July here is a testament to our collective spirit. It is a way of affirming that we will not be defined solely by tragedy, but by our ability to find hope and joy even in the shadow of sorrow. It is a chance to reaffirm our commitment to each other, to support those who are healing, and to ensure that they are never forgotten.

So, as we gather on this Fourth of July, let us acknowledge the complexity of our emotions. Let us remember those who are no longer with us and honor the resilience of those who continue to recover. Let us celebrate not just the freedoms we enjoy, but the strength of our community and our unwavering commitment to each other. In doing so, we embody the true spirit of Deerfield and the enduring ideals of our nation.