Let Freedom Ring
The Fourth of July and Memorial Day were never easy days in prison. In fact, they were some of the most emotional for me. Both holidays are so deeply intertwined with the values of freedom and sacrifice. And there I was in prison, not free and a burden to the taxpayers.
It was not a happy feeling.
So many members of my family have served in the armed forces. Heroes. I hold deep pride for my family and our history.
At Arlington where my great uncle Colonel Lester Sanders is buried.
My husband (now ex), my children, and I always participated in the Fourth of July parade. We honored our country, proudly flew the American flag, and never complained about paying taxes. Sitting in prison, with ample time to think, I often pondered the fight for an independent and free country while I was… well… not.
If I could go back in time and ask the servicemen and women who fought in the Revolutionary War (or any subsequent wars) if their vision of liberty included fighting for felons in prison, what would they have said? Would they have said,
"Yes, my sacrifice was for you too"
Just thinking about it would bring me to tears and fill me with shame.
George Washington our First United States President
In prison, the Fourth of July and Memorial Day included some games and a holiday meal that we looked forward to. We would also gather with friends, each contributing commissary items to make special treats. Despite these small celebrations, I always felt a sense of relief when the day was behind me.
Our 4th of July meal was actually pretty close to this. Chili dogs.
Now, I am celebrating my first Fourth of July in freedom. Not only am I free, but I am driving a truck for my employer in the Frankfort parade. As the parade started and I moved my truck into position, all I could see from my vantage point was an ocean of red, white, and blue. Horns were honking, people were cheering, and there was nothing but joy on all the faces.
The view from my truck
I couldn’t believe how my fortunes had changed. What a difference a year makes. I was in a moment where I could truly appreciate freedom in such a meaningful way. The tears threatened.
The company I work for is called Graceland Fruit, and for me, it really has been a "Land of Grace." This company hires felons, took a chance on me as a new CDL driver, and let me proudly drive their truck in our parade.
I am filled with gratitude and a deeper understanding of what it means to be free.
It was a great day to be free in the United States of America.
Thank you for reading,
Kelli Stapleton
