Bridgette Crosby
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By Bridgette Crosby | Military Moms in QC/STV
When we look at the 50 white stars on the American flag, we see the states that make up this great country. But behind each star are families — Blue Star families waiting anxiously for their loved ones to come home, Silver Star families caring for those who returned bearing wounds, and Gold Star families carrying the silent weight of loss. These families are the true heart of what freedom means.
The 13 red stripes remind us of courage and bravery; the white stripes symbolize purity and innocence — values that have shaped America for nearly 250 years. While many celebrate freedom with fireworks and parades, for military families like mine, freedom is a lived reality — woven with pride, sacrifice, fear and an unending depth of love. It’s a daily journey best lived with optimism and deep faith, despite the fear.
I’m a military mom. I’ve watched two of my sons leave home in uniform — one who served with the Army in Iraq and Afghanistan, the other with the Marines. My daughter-in-law wears Army green, too, balancing military duty while raising their family.
My father served proudly in World War II, and my older brother’s time in the Navy left him with injuries that changed his life forever. And my husband — the steady strength behind me — carries the quiet ache of losing his father while he served in the Air Force.
For us, freedom isn’t just history — it’s a legacy of love, honor and devotion. It’s stitched into our lives, woven through our pride, our joys, our thankfulness and even our pain.
Truth is, freedom is never easy. It’s not something won without struggle. Its value lies in the fight, the sacrifice and the courage it takes to protect and preserve it. Freedom comes with responsibility and it is paid for by brave men and women in uniform, and the families who love, support and sometimes lose them.
Freedom must be protected, nurtured, defended. There is a stark difference between living in freedom and truly honoring it. The first can be taken for granted; the second asks for gratitude, personal responsibility and action. And who best to defend our freedoms than patriots who deeply love this country, our freedoms and all that we stand for?
Freedom and the U.S. flag are inseparable for me; they are the living stories of courage, love and sacrifice. They belong to the Blue Star families who wait and pray, the Silver Star families who care for the wounded and the Gold Star families who bear the weight of loss every day. These quiet heroes are the heartbeat behind every star, the lives woven into every stripe and the true meaning of freedom.
They are why we stand here today, free to speak, live and chase our dreams — and freedom demands that we honor their sacrifice with right action. Burning the flag may be protected as free speech for U.S. citizens, but when done by those who aren’t citizens, that right doesn’t apply — because the true meaning of freedom comes with understanding the sacrifice, respect, responsibility and belonging that goes with it.
As the founder of Military Moms in Queen Creek/San Tan Valley, I’m proud that we’re nearing 20 years of standing beside our troops, honoring our veterans and supporting military families. It hasn’t always been easy — there have been challenges and frustrations — but our deep love for this country and belief in our patriots keeps us going. Supporting those who protect our freedoms is a privilege, and their courage reminds us what true commitment to America looks like.
As we celebrate America’s 249th birthday and look ahead to the milestone 250th, I challenge all Arizonans to spend the next year making a meaningful difference in their respective communities.
Volunteer. Support families through deployment. Advocate for better veteran care. Say “thank you” sincerely. Help military families or veterans in need — run errands, cook meals, offer rides, send care packages. Learn about the Revolution, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights — because honoring freedom starts with knowing its history.
Freedom calls to each of us — not just through words, but through love, gratitude and action. Let’s answer that call together, living in a way that proves freedom truly matters.
Editor’s note: Bridgette Crosby of San Tan Valley is founder of Military Moms in Queen Creek/San Tan Valley and Liberty & Lit, a patriotic book club. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
