Tag Archives: freedom

America, Americana, and the price we pay to be free

In Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, we’ve got cool summer weather perfect for enjoying the outdoors and some great grilling. The 4th of July was a time to celebrate our victories as a nation, to celebrate our freedom, and to express our patriotism. But what does this all mean? What is freedom in today’s context?

What does it mean to be an American, to value our liberties and recognize that others share that same freedom with us? I invite you to listen to stories that reveal the truth about the men and women who fight for our country’s freedom – not romanticized, not idealized. It’s what most of us don’t see, don’t know about, or sometimes, even choose to ignore.

I would also like to introduce you to Rolfe Neigenfind who describes his music as embodying the spirit of Americana with roots in the Blues. A native of North Carolina, Rolfe made his home in Rogers Park once. He now lives in Nashville. I’ll be playing songs from his latest album Chicago available on iTunes.

Listen. Reflect. Celebrate

Wes Moore, Rolfe Neigenfind, Sebastian Junger

Hidden Stories About Our Freedom

The 4th of July is one of our country’s beloved traditions when we enjoy the great outdoors and some great grilling. Yesterday, I joined my family as they gathered to watch Team USA win the Women’s World Cup. This holiday has traditionally been a time to celebrate our victories as a nation, to commemorate our independence and to express our patriotism. It meant one thing in 1776. Today, what does it mean in our collective consciousness? What does it mean to be an American, to value our individual liberties and at the same time, acknowledge that others share that same freedom with us?

Wes Moore, Jody Williams & Sebastian Junger
Wes Moore, Jody Williams & Sebastian Junger

Listen to the stories of three people who fight for America’s freedom. They tell us what the work means to them––not romanticized, not idealized. It’s what most of us don’t see, or don’t know about, or sometimes even choose to ignore.