Growing up in South Africa, I never experienced or understood what the concept of freedom meant. It was not a term used much in our vocabulary. I grew up thinking that it was normal to watch my back everywhere I went, to always drive with my car doors locked, and to live in a barricaded home. In 1976 when still young children, my parents sent us off to live with our aunt as our family shop with attached house was burnt down due to ongoing riots. Sadly, as time went by, it seemed that violence and murder was getting progressively worse because my family and friends were always getting hurt. Law enforcement did little to ensure our protection, and if there was one thing I remember praying for, it was asking God to help our family immigrate to America.

In 1993 God answered my prayer as both my husband and I were offered employed by American companies. I was an AS/400 programmer analyst, and my husband was a Pyramid software engineer. By coming to America, I finally got to experience and understand what it meant to be free. I was surprised that I could go to the supermarket late at night and not worry about being attacked. I was able to go to a gas station without fear of being hijacked. The houses and apartments did not need burglar gates and bars to keep out intruders. There was no fear of intimidation or terrorization. I felt safe, and I was so grateful. But to my dismay, I quickly learned that many Americans did not realize or appreciate what a great gift they have. Then, in 2001 I was horrified when the precious gift of freedom was threatened by the 9/11 attack in New York City, which occurred one week before my second daughter was born.

After the 9/11 attack, I remember having a great desire to pray for America and to get as many people as I could to pray with me. Then I discovered the Patriotic Rosary inspired by Our Lady of Medjugorje. I love this powerful prayer because it dedicates one Hail Mary in the traditional Catholic Rosary to each state of the United States, and implores God’s protection over and guidance for our nation. Together as one church, one family, we plead the precious Blood of Jesus over all fifty states. After each decade of the Rosary, we sing a patriotic song, and these songs become prayers in and of themselves, thus deepening the prayer of the whole Rosary.             Today, I understand that the gift of freedom came at a price. I would like to share this beautiful song God Bless the USA performed by Lee Greenwood, Home Free, and The Singing Sergeants which helped me truly appreciate the gift of freedom even more.