RINCON, Ga. — Not long after the last entry in Rincon’s annual Freedom Rings Parade passed by the parking lot in front of Gail Philips’ child care business, she pondered the meaning of freedom.
“I’ve gone to and lived in many different countries, and the United States is the best one to be in to exercise our freedoms,” said Philips, an African American Army veteran and the wife of a retired Army Ranger. “As far as Fourth of July ceremonies, I’m happy for them, because Independence Day entitled my people, a couple of years later, to experience freedom in the U.S.”
She paused.
“Freedom tastes good,” Philips added. “We’ve just got to keep a handle on who’s handling our freedom.”
At Rincon’s Freedom Rings Parade and Festival, the celebration wasn’t just about floats, music and candy — it was also a chance for folks to reflect on what freedom means to them. The responses were heartfelt, thoughtful and sometimes humorous, painting a picture of what Independence Day means in this small Georgia community.
'Freedom is America'
Prompted by a reporter, others shared their own thoughts on freedom before the parade rolled slowly past, led by grand marshal Matthew Waters, a medically retired Army Ranger, and a number of law enforcement agencies.
They were followed — in no particular order — by a mix of candy-tossing local officials, Shriners groups, businesses, floats, golf carts, the Parris Island Marine Corps Band, an Army color guard and first responders from across Effingham County.
“To me, freedom is America,” said Tommie Major of Savannah.
An Effingham County youngster, Emery Phillips — no relation to Gail Philips — put it this way:
“Freedom means freedom,” she said. “Being free.”
Brooke Peterman, whose husband, Marine Gunnery Sgt. James Peterman, was in the parade, said freedom is about living together.
“Freedom to me is where everyone is able to exist in a place together and be able to live their life doing what they like to do,” she said. “Of course, there is a cost to that.”
James Peterman said there’s also a balance to be struck.
“There’s always a trade-off between freedom and security,” he said. “In order to have more security, you lose freedom; to have more freedom, you have less security. The United States took a big gamble and lost the security of the British Empire to have freedom, because it’s that important to us, and we’ve been pushing for that ever since. It’s important to have that freedom to do what we need to do to take care of us and ours.”
'Freedom is our warriors'
Rincon’s Judy Leeson said freedom wears — and wore — a uniform.
“For me, freedom is our warriors. Our soldiers and the people who fought for us — they’re the ones that deserve all the credit for our freedom,” she said.
Tyler Smith said it’s about the right to chart your own course.
“To me, freedom is the right to choose how we want to live, choose what we want to do, and have the rights that mean we can do that — and have it backed up by our country,” he said.
His 6-year-old son, Kai, had to ponder the word a minute. At first, he looked as if he thought freedom might mean freedom from the press. Then he piped up.
“I don’t know what freedom is, but I think freedom is about watching YouTube,” he said. “I got that answer because I watch a lot of YouTube every day. Every day I watch YouTube.”
As for Philips, whose husband was on grandparent duty and missed the parade, she reiterated there’s no better place on Earth to be free.
“I’m enjoying my freedom,” she said. “I really am.”
