Value of America’s freedoms

Following are excerpts from a speech given by John L. Johnson at a patriotism assembly before 2400 students at Irmo High School, Columbia, S.C.

We all must realize the value of America's freedoms. Our young citizens more than ever need a renewed appreciation of these freedoms that we take for granted each day.

Many young people all over the world know of our freedoms.

Several years ago, while serving as a Judge of Probate Court in a small South Carolina County, I was invited to join a group of Judges from across the country on a legal study tour of the Peoples Republic of China. When I mentioned this invitation to my family, my youngest son, who was a senior in high school, asked if he might go with us.

The U.S. State Department, which was cosponsoring the trip, soon approved his request... so off to China we went, 19 Judges and one young American high school senior.

During the day, we sat in their courtrooms listening to cases and studying their laws. Meanwhile, my son John and our China guide visited high schools and elementary schools. John was introduced to many classrooms and conversed with students, telling about his growing up in America and exchanging school studies with young Chinese students.

He told them how as a senior, he could drive an old car to school each day. He mentioned a dog named "Blue" that would often ride with him in the countryside. He told them of the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains and the Statue of Liberty; and the many faces of America. Suddenly, John had become a young ambassador for America. The students wanted to know more.

In the hotels we stayed, there was a young boy assigned to each room. They were called "bell hops." If there was anything needed, we would simply pick up a small hand bell nearby and ring it. Seeming, out of nowhere one of these young men would appear and ask how he could be of service.

In the evening, John would sit outside our room, surrounded by several of these young bell hops talking. I would call to him to remind him of a busy schedule the next day. His reply was always: "Give me a few more minutes, Dad." These young men would listen, in silence, but wonder out loud, "what country is this that could give a young person so many freedoms."

Soon our visit to this vast country of China was ending. As we were boarding our bus that would carry us to the Shanghai Airport for the long flight back to America, the young man in charge of the bell hops (the bell captain) came up to me and in broken English he said: "Judge Johnson, I appreciate making acquaintance with you and son John and I want to wish you long and good life. I enjoyed learning more about America."

I quickly replied, "Chang, someday you will be able to visit America and perhaps see our schools and…”

He politely interrupted, "No, no Judge Johnson, it’s good to know there is a country where young man can have a dog and can ride in beautiful countryside. It’s good to learn about a Rocky Mountain and a Grand Canyon and Liberty Statue... but I never get to come to country America."

He bowed his head and slowly walked away.

Of all the conversations I had with various judges and court personnel while in China, none can I recall as easily as my brief conversation with the young bell captain. He was talking about our country and its many freedoms.

We all must realize the value of America's freedoms. Young citizens more than ever need a renewed appreciation of freedoms that we seemingly take for granted each day.

In the harbor of New York city the statue of Liberty stands tall with an arm holding high a brightly lit torch to be seen by all who cherish freedom. We must keep this torch ablaze so that it can reach the far corners of this earth and be seen by all… even a young Chinese bell captain in faraway Shanghai.

And now the task of safeguarding our freedoms is passed on to you, the future leaders of our country. I challenge each of you to help rekindle the spirit of patriotism and the appreciation of America's freedoms.

For your efforts in this endeavor, may God bless you in a special way, and may God continue to bless America.

Mr. Johnson is the recipient of a Heritage Award from the Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge. He is Vice-Commander of Post 250 American Legion, and lives in Tryon.