Freedom Fest: Honoring Those Who Serve

To protect and to serve is the motto police officers espouse. It's what I think of when I think of law enforcement, for I have not bought into the notion that officers arise each morning with the intent to do harm, nor will I. When I see officers, I feel safer. Their presence instills a level of calm Â… well, unless I'm speeding or have just rolled through a STOP sign -- but that's a whole 'nother story. While "to protect and to serve" is not the official motto of firefighters and the military, it applies to them also. First responders, soldiers and veterans have lived with the goal of protecting and serving the citizenry, who rely upon that sacrifice. They are our heroes. Every opportunity we have to thank them is an opportunity we must not miss. This Saturday, these heroes will be honored and celebrated at an event called Freedom Fest, which will be held on the grounds of Christ Church of the Heartland in Cape Girardeau, from 11 am. to 3 p.m.

Billed as a CommUNITY event, to which all the public is invited, Christ Church has extended this invitation: "Please come join us in honoring those who serve, paying tribute to police, firemen, first responders, and our veterans." I love the phraseology: "our veterans." Yes, they are ours. They have given themselves to us. They risk their lives daily for us in what is dangerous work, work that is growing more dangerous by the day. When I see our men and women in uniform, I like to reach out, to thank them. But it's also good to put action to our thanksgiving. Freedom Fest will do just that.

In addition to honoring those who serve, the event unifies the entire community. Lifestyles divide. Politics -- especially in this intense presidential election -- divide. Even sports rivalries divide. There's a heaviness that is hovering over the nation; turn on the news, and we see that tragedy is running rampant. Each person paying attention feels the weight of it. Freedom Fest is about refocusing -- turning our attention to what's good, wholesome and yes, fun. We sometimes forget to have fun because we're so engrossed in life's battles, which are not.

No one knows of battles and scars more than the military and first responders, but they, so accustomed to doing the serving, will have an opportunity to be served themselves, and the community also will be served.

Christ Church cherishes children, so there will be activities for kids, including the bounce houses they love so much, candy they cannot get enough of and games they enjoy playing. But the event will have plenty for people of all ages. Fun doesn't end when we grow up, adults, so expect to have a good time, as well. We Americans love to eat; therefore, food will be a big part of Saturday's festivities, including a barbecue cook-off with awards. Add music, games, door prizes and other forms of entertainment to the mix, and it'll be a great time.

Whether you are a police officer, firefighter, veteran, current service member or just a member of the community, you are invited to Freedom Fest. Come, bring a friend and remember it does not take much to honor those who live such honorable lives among us and put those very lives on the line to save ours. I've wondered lately what it feels like in current times to be a person in uniform, viewed so skeptically by so many, thanks, in part, to a media who have given voice -- excessively -- to movements and athletes and everyone who have found it en vogue to criticize, accuse and complain. Riots have become the soup du jour, many of which are nothing more than domestic terrorism masquerading as First Amendment protests. Of course, we want to hold public servants accountable, and those with common sense recognize that most of them invite that accountability, perform their jobs honorably and do so with pride.

On Saturday, we at Christ Church of the Heartland will do our part to show our gratitude. It cannot come close to the efforts of our heroes, but it's our way of giving just a little back for the magnitude of blessings they give us -- and who better to join in with us than members of our community? That's you. I hope to see you Saturday.

Christ Church is located at 720 Bertling Street in Cape Girardeau.

Adrienne Ross is an author, speaker, columnist, editor, educator and Southeast Missourian editorial board member. Reach her at aross@semissourian.com.