defineFREEDOM.com

1980 Miracle on Ice - Mike Eruzione and Ken Morrow

2010-02-28T17:57:00.004-05:00

Capitan Mike Eruzione and Ken Morrow.

"Freedom allows us to think for ourselves and to be accountable for our choices. It forces us to be creative and responsible."

Go to definefreedom.com for the other Olympians!

John Murtha and Alexander Haig

2010-02-21T10:17:00.002-05:00

Over the past week, we lost two freedom card participants.

Alexander Haig:
To me ‘freedom’ is ‘choice,’ my choice of religion, education, home, occupation, political leaders, life style, and even my country, all and more are mine to choose.

John Murtha:

Freedom is Everything

Our thoughts are with both of their families.

Apolo Anton Ohno on Freedom

2010-02-21T00:08:00.005-05:00

“I choose to be free. Because only then can I Love. I am Free to Love.”

Miep Gies, woman how helped hide Anne Frank dies at 100.

2010-01-11T22:17:00.003-05:00

"Freedom Obliges Me to secure freedom for others!"

Susan Atkins, convicted murderer and Charles Manson follower

2009-09-29T22:53:00.002-04:00

See the text of the letter at www.definefreedom.com.

Ted Kennedy dies at age 77

2009-08-26T07:16:00.005-04:00

The news that Ted Kennedy had cancer came a day before I received his freedom card. Now Ted Kennedy's final battle is over, and he can rest in peace. Ted Kennedy died today at age 77, and as he said in his 1980 Democratic convention speech, "The Dream shall never die."

His card reads:

"Freedom is the essence of America, the opportunity for every American to live the American Dream.”

Miss Teen South Carolina Caitlin Upton

2009-08-20T20:36:00.003-04:00

"Freedom is the essence of the soul! Because of Freedom we are able to find our true selves, and to live life to the fullest."

Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina on Freedom

2009-08-11T17:24:00.005-04:00

"Freedom is the Hallmark of the American experiment, vital to pursuing our way of life and I applaud you effort in reminding people of it's importance. "

Become a fan on facebook!

2009-04-29T22:30:00.000-04:00

Right Here!

The Third Annual defineFREEDOM.com Garage Sale

2009-04-19T16:08:00.002-04:00

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

Where: The Lakes of Old Peachtree Neighborhood the corner of Hwy 124 and Terrace Lake Drive in Lawrenceville; across from Fitness 19. First left at the clubhouse.

When: Saturday, May 30, 2009, 7:00 AM -2:00pm

How you can help:
Do you have junk? Used or barely used items like toys, house wares, clothes, decorative items, furniture, appliances. Want us to pick it up? To donate your items just email us at definefreedomcom@gmail.com.

Or

Come by and get some great stuff, on the 30th. Donuts and juice available. Come and chat with the crew and find the best deals. Support a nationally praised and recognized project, started by local Mill Creek High School students. It’s called The Freedom Project and the website is defineFreedom.com. The funds will be used to operate the website, and hopefully sponsor a define Freedom scholarship in the future.

Happy Medal of Honor Day!

2009-03-25T17:42:00.004-04:00

defineFREEDOM.com is currently working on including its collection of over 35 Medal of Honor winners. Keep checking back for updates!

It's a fine idea [defineFREEDOM.com] and I am glad to join in with the others to help along, as long as I live.

-John Finn, Medal of Honor recipient

I consider your request [to complete a card] an honor.

-Robert R. Ingram, Medal of Honor recipient

In the news...

2008-12-12T13:44:00.001-05:00

Over the past few months many supporters of defineFREEDOM.com have been in the news, here is a sampling…

John McCain lost his bid for the presidency.

And Sarah Palin lost her bid to become Vice President.

Al Franken’s election is still up in the air.

Jon Stewart is more popular than ever.

Helen Thomas returned to the White House briefing room.

Lou Holtz is offering commentary over at ESPN.

And Mike Huckabee got a show on Fox News.

Those who we have lost....

2008-12-11T13:22:00.001-05:00

For the past couple of months defineFREEDOM.com, and our crew has been sabbatical. We are however starting to get back to work and have a few announcements starting with the hardest. Over the past few months we have lost some great supporters of defineFREEDOM.com.

They include:

Michael DeBakey - His Obituary from the New York Times.

Maxwell Clark- member of the Band of Brothers .

Davy Jones- Doolittle Raider

Edward Horton- Doolittle Raider

Armin Lehmann- peace advocate

Don LaFontaine- “Voice of the Movies” - his CNN obituary.

We would like to thank these men for sharing a part of their life with us. We are forever grateful.

Sarah Palin on cnn.com's ireport

2008-09-06T13:13:00.001-04:00

defineFREEDOM.com Commercial- Different Languages Same Word

2008-06-07T15:32:00.001-04:00

Buck O'Neil defineFREEDOM.com Commercial

2008-05-22T21:12:00.001-04:00

A fan created video

Bill Richardson

2008-05-22T11:43:00.002-04:00

Bill Richardson is the Current Governor of New Mexico.

Ted Kennedy

2008-05-22T11:39:00.002-04:00

Edward Kennedy is a United States Senator from Massachusetts.

Sarah Palin

2008-05-22T11:34:00.002-04:00

Sarah Palin is the current Governor of the State of Alaska.

Linda Evans

2008-05-16T08:15:00.000-04:00

Linda Evans is an actress who has appeared in countless movies and tv shows.

Her card reads:
"Freedom is living without fear."
"

James Watson

2008-05-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

James Watson is the co discoverer of the double Helix shape of DNA. He won the Nobel peace prize in 1962.

Herman Caine

2008-05-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

Herman Caine is a radio talk show host, who also was served as the former chairman and CEO of Godfather's Pizza.

His card reads:
"Freedom is the ability to determine your own success or failure or mediocrity."

John Densmore

2008-05-16T07:15:00.000-04:00

John Densmore was the former drummer for the group "The Doors."

Bob Crippen

2008-05-16T07:00:00.001-04:00

Bob Crippen is a former USAF and NASA pilot, who was the first pilot of the Space Shuttle.

His card reads:
Freedom gives you the ability to fly as high as you can imagine.

Newt Gingrich

2008-05-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Newt Gingrich at the book signing in Atlanta with Alex Robson, and Monica Lindsey.

Diane Watson

2008-05-07T09:56:00.004-04:00

Diane Watson is the representative from California's 33rd district. She has served since June 2001.

Paul Ryan

2008-05-07T09:39:00.004-04:00

Paul Ryan is the representative from Wisconsin's 1st district. He has been in office since January 1999.

M. Jodi Rell

2008-05-04T07:50:00.000-04:00

M. Jodi Rell is the Governor of Connecticut; she assumed office in July of 2004.

Her card reads:
"Freedom mean being able to read any book I choose, listen to music I like, sit on the park bench without fear and so much more. Freedom means living in America!"

John Hoeven

2008-05-04T07:40:00.000-04:00

John Hoeven is the Governor of North Dakota; he assumed office in December 2000.

His card reads:
"Freedom is the very essence of America."

Gene Green

2008-05-04T07:30:00.000-04:00

Gene Green is the Representative from Texas's 29th district; he took office in January 1993.

His card reads:
"Freedom includes many things- speech, assembly, religion, travel without government interference- our nation was founded on freedom and we must protect it everyday."

David Davis

2008-05-04T07:20:00.001-04:00

David Davis is the representative from Tennessee's 1st district; he has held the seat since January 2007.

His card reads:
"Freedom is the God given right to pursue happiness and to determine ones course in life."

Rosanne Cash

2008-05-04T07:10:00.000-04:00

Rosanne Cash is a singer songwriter, and daughter of Johnny Cash.

Her card reads:
"Freedom means allowing space for those beliefs which are opposite to mine."

Don Malarkey

2008-05-04T07:00:00.001-04:00

Received April 25th, 2008

Don Malarkey was a amber of the Band of Brothers.

His card reads:
"Freedom to me means the right to live in peace and responsibility."

Week in review...

2008-05-03T14:59:00.002-04:00

We have six new participates to defineFREEDOM.com.

2 Governors

-M. Jodi Rell (R), Connecticut
-John Hoeven (R), North Dakota

2 Congressman

- Gene Green (D), Texas's 29th
-David Davis (R), Tennessee's 1st

also

Singer Songwriter and daughter of Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash

Don Malarkey, member of the Band of Brothers

Scans will be added soon.

Lou Holtz elected to Hall of Fame

2008-05-02T16:43:00.003-04:00

Lou Holtz was elected to the college football hall of fame on Thursday. He completed a card for definefreedom.com in the summer of 2007.

His card reads:

“To me freedom means you are responsible for your success, happiness and your future. You can not remain free if you hold the Government or others responsible for your success, failures, or happiness.”

Week in Review....

2008-04-28T11:28:00.002-04:00

We received two responses from Representatives:

- Shelley Moore Capito (R) WV 2nd

-Hank Johnson (D) GA 4th

Scans of their cards will be available shortly.

Two New web url's...

2008-04-26T16:22:00.002-04:00

defineFREEDOM.com is now the proud owner of both

defineFREEDOM.net

and

defineFREEDOM.org

Dr. Michael Debakey receives the Congressional Gold Medal

2008-04-24T17:07:00.004-04:00

Dr. Michael Debakey received the Congressional Gold Medal today for his work towards pioneering heart surgery.

He completed his freedom card last summer.

His card reads:

“Freedom is protection from slavery or oppression. It is precious, but it is not absolute, and it is not synonymous with license, for it entails self-discipline, responsibility, and accountability.”

2008-04-23T22:05:00.002-04:00

Jacob DeShazer

2008-04-22T11:54:00.003-04:00

Jacob DeShazer, a contributer, and freind of defineFREEDOM.com passed away this week, at the age of 95. DeShazer is best known for his role in the Doolittle Raids, where he and his crew was forced to bail out over Japan shortly after hitting their target.

DeShazer's card reads:
"'He who the son(Jesus) makes free, shall be free indeed.' John 8:36"

Obituaries from around the country:
NY Times
Herald Tribune
AJC
Political Gateway

"Old soldiers never die; they just fade away." - Douglas MacArthur

In the News...

2008-04-21T12:00:00.003-04:00

Gail Halvorsen flies again.

Arnold Palmer is back at the masters.

Herschel Walker has a new book.

Samuel Alito attends the birthday party for the Pope.

The Pope in America

2008-04-18T11:29:00.002-04:00

This week the Pope has toured parts of the United States, one of his guides has been the Ambassador from the Holy See, Apostolic Nunco to the United States Pietro Sambi. His card can be found above, it was completed in the summer of 2007.

Contributors in the News

2008-04-17T10:44:00.003-04:00

Desmond Tutu speaks out at Olympics protest.

John Murtha thinks John McCain is to old to be president.

Jimmy Carter goes to Israel.

Bishop Gene Robinson talks to NPR about his new book, "The Eye of the Storm."

defineFREEDOM.com Garage Sale Part II

2008-04-16T14:12:00.004-04:00

There were so many donations to the defineFREEDOM.com Garage Sale that we had it two weekends in a row. Here are some pictures from weekend number two. As you can probably tell, it was raining. Thanks everyone for your help!

defineFREEDOM.com's Volunteers and Participants...

2008-04-15T16:11:00.007-04:00

Throughout this past year the Volunteers at
defineFREEDOM.com ave been able to meet some of our participates. On the left is Graham R. with President Bill Clinton in South Carolina. On the right is Alex Robson with Helen Thomas at a book signing in Atlanta, GA.

defineFREEDOM.com's Garage Sale

2008-04-14T16:15:00.009-04:00

Last Weekend was the second annual defineFREEDOM.com Garage sale, we raised over $1200 . A detailed view of defineFREEDOM.com's finances will be available in mid may.

A letter to every Congressman

2008-04-13T11:54:00.002-04:00

This week we will be sending out 535+ letter to every sitting congressman. Also this week we will be sending out a letter to every Governor, keep checking back to updates, and see what your Senators, Representative, and Governor has to say about freedom.

Article about freedom

2008-04-13T11:52:00.003-04:00

This weeek there was a wonderful article written about defineFREEDOM.com, and Alex Robson in the Gwinnett Daily Post. Check it out:

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=13059&SectionID=34&SubSectionID=48&S=1

William F. Buckley

2008-02-27T19:26:00.002-05:00

William F. Buckley Jr., A friend of the Freedom Project, passed away today at the age of 82.

“Freedom makes life possible,” William F. Buckley wrote on his freedom card last summer.

A link to his card:

http://www.definefreedom.com/definefreedomnew_120.htm

defineFREEDOM.com Garge Sale

2008-02-27T19:24:00.001-05:00

The 2^nd Annual DefineFREEDOM.com Garage Sale

Saturday, March 29^th, 2008

Location:

The Preserve Neighborhood at the corner of Buford Dr. and Bentbrooke Trail on U.S> 20 in Lawrenceville; then follow the signs.

When:

Saturday, March 29, 2008, 7:00 AM -1:00pm, Rain date Saturday, April 5^th.

How you can help:

Do you have junk? Used or barely used items like toys, house wares, books, clothes, decorative items, furniture, appliances. Want us to pick it up? To donate your items for the garage sale, just email us Alex Robson at definefreedomcom@gmail.com, and we can set up a pick up time, anytime from now till 3/28.

The word is out...

2007-12-24T18:59:00.000-05:00

The Blogs are going crazy with post about The Freedom Project, and definefreedom.com

Here is a sampling:

http://www.joeventures.com/archives/431#respond

http://uspolitics.tribe.net/thread/bb839c2d-7303-4818-a82e-878ec5275fd5

http://rwdrake.livejournal.com/25529.html

The Freedom Project in the Atlanta Journal Constitution

2007-12-19T10:29:00.000-05:00

There have been two article written about defineFREEDOM.com the first one, October 13, 2007, the second was published on December 11, 2007. The links to both are below:

December 11, 2007-
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-blogs/ajc/badie/entries/2007/12/11/freedom_project.html

October 13, 2007-
www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-blogs/ajc/badie/entries/2007/10/13/what_is_freedom.html

Also there have been two reader responses that can be found here:
http://www.ajc.com/search/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/2007/12/19/gwinletts1219.html

Joey Bishop

2007-10-19T23:36:00.000-04:00

A great friend and contributor to definefreedom.com, Joey Bishop, died on October 19th.

His New York Times obituary can be found here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/19/arts/18cnd-bishop.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

His Freedom card here:
http://www.definefreedom.com/definefreedomnew_185.htm

Mr. Bishop contributed his card late 2006.

Brad Anderson & Richard Picciotto

2007-09-18T14:58:00.000-04:00

Brad Anderson- Cartoonist

Richard Picciotto- 9/11 Survivor

Pietro Sambi & Daryl Brewster

2007-09-07T21:53:00.000-04:00

Daryl Brewster- CEO of Krispy Kreme

Archbishop Pietro Sambi

Jeff Stahler & Jerry Linenger

2007-08-23T17:04:00.000-04:00

Jerry Linenger- Astronaut

Jeff Stahler- Editorial Cartoonist

Paul Arizin, William Birch & Buck O'Neil

2007-08-17T13:55:00.000-04:00

One of the saddest parts of the working on defineFREEDOM.com is watching the news and seeing that participators and contributers have passed away. This post will review three such cases.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Mr. Paul Arizin

"PHILADELPHIA — Paul Arizin, an early adopter of the jump shot who led the Philadelphia Warriors to an NBA championship in 1956 and was named one of the 50 greatest NBA players of all time, died Tuesday night [12/13/2006] at his home in suburban Philadelphia. He was 78.

Arizin, a Hall of Famer who was cut from high school team, died in his sleep,
according to a statement from Villanova University, where Arizin had an outstanding college career.

Arizin is survived by his wife, Maureen, four sons, a daughter and 14 grandchildren."

-USA Today

Mr. Arizin completed his card on October 21, 2006
_____________________________________________________________________________

Mr. William Birch

"Mr. Birch joined the United States Army Air Force in September 1939, trained as a bombardier, and by 1942 was a Staff Sergeant in the 34th Bomb Squadron. When the squadron was asked, Mr. Birch was among those who volunteered for the Tokyo Raid. He took part in the Raid as the bombardier of the #11 aircraft flown by Capt. Ross Greening. Their aircraft made a bomb run on an oil refinery and attacked a patrol boat headed out of Tokyo Bay to the China Sea. The crew bailed out at night over China and were assisted by Chinese villagers. Mr. Birch passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2006. He was preceded in death by his wife. He enjoyed writing poetry, and enjoyed taking care of stray animals along with his wife. He was proud to be an American." - http://www.doolittleraid.com/

Mr. Birch completed his card January of 2006.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Buck O'Neil

"Buck O’Neil, a star first baseman and manager in the Negro leagues and a pioneering scout and coach in the major leagues who devoted the final decade of his life to chronicling the lost world of black baseball, died last night in Kansas City, Mo. He was 94." -New York Times

"'Shed no tears for Buck,' he told friends who had gathered that day. “I couldn’t attend Sarasota High School. That hurt. I couldn’t attend the University of Florida. That hurt.

“But not going into the Hall of Fame, that ain’t going to hurt me that much, no. Before, I wouldn’t even have a chance. But this time I had that chance.”

And then a man who, for decades warmed every cold shoulder leveled his way, did so again.

When it came time to induct the others into the Hall of Fame in late July, it was O’Neil who stood proudly to deliver the day’s first address.

“Buck O’Neil was one of the greatest ambassadors baseball has ever known,” said Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. He was a giant of a man whose wisdom, kindness and generosity of spirit will live on forever in all those whom he touched and who touched him." -The Associated Press

Mr. O'Neil September 2006, three weeks before he passed away.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Even though we never meet many of the people who participate in defineFEEDOM.com, we
do feel a connection to all of them, and hope that their memories will never be forgotten.

Jesse Jackson

2007-08-14T13:37:00.000-04:00

From Jesse Jackson-

No time to Complete a card.

Donald Rumsfeld & Melvin E. Biddle

2007-08-07T20:38:00.000-04:00

Donald Rumsfeld- 2007

Thank you for your kind letter an invitation to participate in the freedom project. Included is my index card on what freedom means to me. I am honored to make such a small contribution to such an important endeavor.

Your project reminds Americans how fortunate we are to live in a nation of liberty and how blessed we are to have men and women willing to step forward and defend it. It is important that the moms and dads, and the brothers and sisters fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere know that we at home value their great sacrifice to our nation.

Keep up the great work!

Sincerely,
Donald Rumsfeld

Melvin E. Biddle - 2005

A picture sent to The Freedom Project from Melvin E. Biddle, he is shown with President Harry Truman receiving his Medal of Honor.

Monday, August 6, 2007

2007-08-06T15:59:00.000-04:00

New card:
Chet Culver- Governor of Iowa

July 28, 2007-August 5, 2007

2007-08-05T12:50:00.000-04:00

July 28, 2007-August 5, 2007.

New cards:

Miep Gies-Anne Frank's friend and helper

Doro Bush-Koch- daughter of President Bush 41 and sister of President Bush 43

L. Paul Bremer- Ambassador, and an official in charge of reconstructing Iraq after the 2003 invasion

Erskine Bowles- chief of staff under President Bill Clinton and now president of the University of North Carolina

George Will- journalist and conservative commentator

Bill Withers- singer-songwriter

Ted Sorenson-speechwriter for JFK

Hank Hartsfield- astronaut

Dutch Van Kirk-navigator on the Enola Gay

Bob Schieffer- CBS news chief Washington correspondent and host of Face the Nation

Michael Dukakis-1988 Democratic presidential nominee.

Hugh Martin- songwriter

Russell Johnson- actor, the professor on Gilligan's Island

Howard Dean- 2004 presidential hopeful, and now head of the Democratic National Committee.

Condoleezza Rice-former national security adviser, Secretary of State

Lou Holtz- former head coach to the Notre Dame Football program.

John Finn-Pearl Harbor, Medal of Honor recipient

Letters:
Howard Dean:

I'm always excited to see young people getting involved in politics, and this is a great project. I'm happy to participate. For me, freedom is composed of two things:

1 -- the ability to do what you think is right without interference from government and.

2 -- the responsibility to do what you think is right to build a strong interdependent community.

Again, this is a great project.

Sincerely,

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.

John Finn:

Thanks to the four of you for your letter to me with news of your freedom project. It's a fine idea and I am glad to join in with the others to help along, as long as I live? -but I am now 98 years “old.”

Sincerely,

John W. Finn

Welcome to the definefreedom.com blog

2007-08-05T12:27:00.000-04:00

Welcome to definefreedom.com blog. This newest portion of definefreedom.com is designed to keep you up to date weekly on the cards that are received. Also included will be content that is not part of defined freedom.com like letters, photos and other items we receive from participants. The plot will usually be updated on Sunday nights, so check back every week for the newest updates.