Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Nelson Mandela said,

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

Today of all days, September 11th, it is impossible to forget that we live free in America. 
 It was exactly a year ago today that Spirit of America visited Inkamana Abbey in Vryheid, South Africa, and the staff and students there respectfully shared their prayers for our nation on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

“Freedom” is something that both of our countries have fought for. We know it comes at a high price. It is one of the strongest pillars upon which we stand. It is one of the goals Spirit of America Band strives to meet. 

The life lessons that face the young people of Spirit of America when they work on Winter Percussion drill, or when they travel to South Africa to share lessons and knowledge, invaluably inform their lives. They develop respect for others, hone their ability to communicate, and recognize that hard work has a larger reward than ‘winning the gold.’ They learn to settle for nothing less than their best, and to recognize for themselves when they have achieved it.

We’re on the brink of our second trip to South Africa. How incredible to share this spirit of freedom and respect with each other.

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