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Category Archives: Freedom

Freedom Elementary celebrates vets, responders and its 10th anniversary

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Students and veterans watch the school bell ring nine times Tuesday to honor soldiers past and present.SABRINA ROCCO/Bradenton Herald

EAST MANATEE -- Parents dressed in some form of red, white and blue filed Tuesday into Freedom Elementary School's cafeteria to watch their children honor veterans and first-responders while celebrating the school's 10th anniversary.

An elegant version of "God Bless America" played in the background as 760 Freedom Falcons took their seats on the floor for opening remarks, which included a Color Guard presentation of the U. S. and state of Florida flags, the reading of the school's mission statement, the singing of the school song ("...Freedom's a flame that burns within ya, Freedom's in the state of mind...") and a special anthem for each branch of the military and first responders.

"The kids feel good that they're supporting our veterans. They'll be singing these songs for months now," said Bonnie Christian, a technology teacher who organized the event.

Freedom Elementary, the only Manatee school not named after a person or place, was built around the time of Sept. 11, 2001. When it was finished in July 2003, founding Principal Gary Holbrook wanted its name to be unique.

"He wanted the theme of

freedom," said current Principal Jim Mennes.

Since the school was named Freedom, its mission has always been patriotic.

"Our main goal is to teach our children gratitude," said assistant principal Laura Campbell. "That's the goal here, and we really try to encourage it."

Music teacher Rick Bogner, who has been at Freedom all 10 years, said the goal has remained the same while the school greatly expanded.

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Freedom Elementary celebrates vets, responders and its 10th anniversary

Rappler's Pat Evangelista among 2013 Freedom Flame awardees

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by Rappler.com Posted on 11/12/2013 2:28 PM |Updated 11/12/2013 7:48 PM

MANILA, Philippines Rappler multimedia reporter Patricia Evangelista was a recipient of a 2013 Freedom Flame Award on Sunday, November 10, for her "insightful video documentaries and news reporting on issues on freedom and human rights."

The Freedom Flame Award is a recognition given to individuals for their commitment to good governance and freedom. In addition, the award also serves as an appreciation of the recipients' continuous support for the freedom campaign of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), a German political foundation that promotes participatory democracy, human rights, and free trade.

A writer, producer and videographer, Evangelista covered, among others, the Zamboanga crisis last September. (READ and WATCH: Blood from the sky)

Evangelista joined 12 other recipients of this year's Freedom Flame Award:

The awarding ceremony took place at the San Diego Gardens in Intramuros, Manila. It was also attended by international delegates from Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD).

During the program, Senator Aquino delivered the annual Freedom Speech, addressing the state of freedom in the Philippines. "We are a freedom-loving people. It seems to be ingrained in each Filipino the love for freedom and the willingness to fight for our freedom," Aquino said. Rappler.com

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Rappler's Pat Evangelista among 2013 Freedom Flame awardees

Samantha Power’s speech at the International Rescue Committee’s annual Freedom Award Dinner – Video

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Samantha Power #39;s speech at the International Rescue Committee #39;s annual Freedom Award Dinner
Ambassador Samantha Power speaking at the International Rescue Committee #39;s 2013 Freedom Award Dinner.

By: International Rescue Committee

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Samantha Power's speech at the International Rescue Committee's annual Freedom Award Dinner - Video

French or Freedom fries: What's behind France's move on Iranian nuclear deal?

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Foreign Minister Fabius said France won't accept a 'sucker's deal' on Iran's nuclear program, raising questions about its relationship with Iran.

"Tonight I'm eating FRENCH fries," read a tweet this weekend from Rick Grenell, the US's spokesperson at the UN when France opposed an invasion of Iraq in 2003, and who gave rise to the American term Freedom fries.

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His comments over the weekend were in response to French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, who went on air saying a deal with Iran flopped because France will not accept a sucker's deal.

It's unclear what actually went on in Geneva, as the "P5+1" group that includes France, Russia, China, the US, Britain, and Germany seemed close to an agreement with Iran on its nuclear program but then failed. In fact US Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday that it was actually Iran that didn't accept the terms.

But Mr. Fabius's words have echoed around the globe, raising many questions about France's relationship with Iran and its motivations in moving as far right as the most hawkish Americans some of whom continue to applaud their unlikely ally, France - on the question of Iran. Here are some of the theories, some cynical, some not, that are circulating:

The socialist government of French President Franois Hollande has adopted a muscular foreign policy that hasputit to the right of the Obama administrationon Libya, Mali, Syria, and now Iran. Along the way, it has also become Israel's primary European ally and - after the US - arguably its closest friend in the world.

Paris has extensive knowledge of Iran's nuclear program, which they helped establish decades ago by supplying Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi with the technology and equipment that helped him build a uranium enrichment facility near the city of Isfahan. Mark Dubowitz - the executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish think-tank in Washington - said France was uniquely positioned to spot potential flaws in the agreement because it has an array of officials who have [been] working almost exclusively on nuclear issues for more than a decade and understand both the technical aspects of Iran's nuclear program and the economic impact of the hard-hitting economic sanctions that have been imposed in response.

Despite all of the speculation surrounding France's moves over the weekend, Mr. Joshi, the analyst in the UK, says it's important to point out that it's not clear what happened in Geneva and what exactly was rejected or why. Blaming France works in Iran's favor, and as such, leaders there have vociferously condemned Fabius. But too much is unknown, Joshi says.

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French or Freedom fries: What's behind France's move on Iranian nuclear deal?

ANN ARBOR: NAACP hosts Freedom Fund Dinner

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The Ann Arbor Branch of the NAACP held its annual Freedom Fund Dinner Sunday, Nov. 4 at the Ann Arbor Sheraton Hotel. About 300 people gathered to hear about African American and civil rights history and achievements in its "journey to freedom."

The evening's freedom journey included listening to the emancipation proclamation, honoring the longest-serving member of the local NAACP, Mrs. Joseph Mhoon, and learning about the evolution, financial success, and destruction of Black Wall Street.

The majority of the time, however, was spent on the 125 AAPS high-school youth in attendance being honored for their scholastic achievements over the last year. "Every branch has a Freedom Fund Dinner, said NAACP Officer, Susan Baskett, "at our dinner, we focus on students."

The panel of speakers that addressed the youth, their families, and their extended community included Mayor John Hieftje, AAPS Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift, and a keynote address from the President of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Black Chamber of Commerce, Anistia Thomas. Each honored student was recognized in a formal, graduation-style ceremony with a certificate and a copy of the DVD Freedom's Song: 100 Years of African American Struggle and Triumph.

"I came out to support Pioneer High students and other students in the district, said Pioneer Principal, Lisa Anglin. "It's important for them to see us honoring and supporting them outside of the school building."

Many of the scholars who have all maintained academic excellence for at least one year, have plans after high school. Anthony Jacobs, 10th-grader at Pioneer High School, maintains a 3.2 GPA. When asked how he keeps his grades up, he said, "I stay after school each day with my math teacher and get my homework done and ask for help when I need it."

Community High School senior, Siri Zama, was honored for the third time.

"I want to go to UCLA," says Zama, "I'd like to be a doctor, a lawyer, or a psychologist." Eight to 10 tables over, her mother Shauntel Garland and history teacher, Cindy Haidu-Banks sat in smiles and support.

Saidah Rahman, a 10th-grader at Skyline, says that she maintains her 3.7 GPA by studying hard and focusing in class and would like to join the Peace Corps after college. Odia Sylla, also a tenth grader at Skyline, said that she would like to be a surgeon.

"Lives are really precious. And to be able to fix someone's life or take away their pain would be really cool." Continued...

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ANN ARBOR: NAACP hosts Freedom Fund Dinner

Freedom Honor Flight treats veterans to breakfast

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LA CROSSE, WI (WKBT) -

Freedom Honor Flight treated local veterans to a breakfast Monday. It was the third annual Veterans Day Breakfast.

The organization flies veterans to Washington D.C. to see war monuments, but they wanted a local event for all vets to attend.

The event started with a ceremony in the Hall of Honor at UW-La Crosse's Veterans Memorial Field. About 800 vets then gathered for breakfast.

Organizers say it's about more than just a free breakfast, it's about being with other veterans. "There is such a special comeradere, veteran to veteran, it doesn't matter if they served in the same conflict or at the same time, they all understand the bond, and that's what brings them out," said Bill Hoel of Freedom Honor Flight.

"I think it's wonderful that they're getting acknowledged and that people are realizing what these kids are doing," said World War Two Veteran John Grew.

UW-La Crosse student athletes helped welcome the vets and serve as wait staff for the breakfast.

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Freedom Honor Flight treats veterans to breakfast

Homemade: Weekly Healthy Cooking Community for Sustainable Weight Loss and Freedom from Dieting – Video

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Homemade: Weekly Healthy Cooking Community for Sustainable Weight Loss and Freedom from Dieting
PowerPoint slide presentation by Chloe Chien and Anna Rakoczy. Part of Stanford Prevention Research Center - Food Summit 4.

By: StanfordUniversity

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Homemade: Weekly Healthy Cooking Community for Sustainable Weight Loss and Freedom from Dieting - Video

David Miliband’s speech at the International Rescue Committee’s Freedom Award Dinner – Video

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David Miliband #39;s speech at the International Rescue Committee #39;s Freedom Award Dinner
David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, spoke at the organization #39;s annual 2013 Freedom Award dinner.

By: International Rescue Committee

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David Miliband's speech at the International Rescue Committee's Freedom Award Dinner - Video

George Soros’ speech at the International Rescue Committee’s annual Freedom Award Dinner – Video

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George Soros #39; speech at the International Rescue Committee #39;s annual Freedom Award Dinner
Honoree of the night, George Soros spoke at the International Rescue Committee #39;s 2013 Freedom Award.

By: International Rescue Committee

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George Soros' speech at the International Rescue Committee's annual Freedom Award Dinner - Video

Freedom rings out at Palma Sola Presbyterian's Veterans Day warmup

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MANATEE -- When Jack Monteith, 89, knew he was going to attend "Let Freedom Ring," a Veterans Day tribute held Sunday at Palma Sola Presbyterian Church, there was no way he was going without his "squid lid."

A squid lid is a white U.S. Navy hat also known as "dog dish and "Mason jar top."

When he put it on after the concert Sunday, the years seemed to melt away and his face took on the determined look of a sailor ready to defend his country.

Monteith sang along with a crowd estimated at roughly 400 who warmed up for Monday's Manatee County Veterans Day celebrations with a Sunday afternoon concert to honor service members who, like Monteith, are sentimental and completely serious about the meaning of Veterans Day.

"The freedoms we enjoy are as a result of the service of everyone in this room," said former Bradenton Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey, emcee and performer for the 90-minute concert.

Palma Sola Presbyterian interim minister, the Rev. Lewis Trotter, himself a Navy man, introduced Barnebey.

"We are one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Let freedom ring!" Barnebey told the audience.

"It was a wonderful concert," said audience member Raymond Dexter, who said he came to pay tribute to military personnel.

The audience was treated to several guest artists, including the Ring Sarasota Handbell Ensemble led by founding director and Navy man Rick Holdsworth, and The First Brass of Sarasota led by Gary Reinstorm.

Palma Sola VFW Post 10141 presented the colors.

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Freedom rings out at Palma Sola Presbyterian's Veterans Day warmup

Press freedom delegation to visit Britain

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He added: A press freedom mission to the United Kingdom is unprecedented and we cannot underestimate our concern for what is happening.

We are concerned that these actions not only seriously damage the United Kingdoms historic international reputation as a staunch defender of press freedom, but provide encouragement to non-democratic regimes to justify their own repressive actions.

The delegation, which will consist of publishers and editors from around the world, will arrive in London in January for a series of meetings with government and opposition figures and also representative from the industry.

The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers was launched in 1948 and represents more than 18,000 publications around the world.

The majority of its work is focused on democratic states or countries with poor records on press freedom and human rights.

In the past it has sent missions to countries including South Africa, Yemen, Tunisia, Honduras, Ecuador, Colombia, Ukraine and Guatemala.

This is the first time such a delegation would have visited Britain.

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Press freedom delegation to visit Britain


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