Let Freedom Ring!

Warren G. Harding, 29^th President of the United States, said, “In the beginning

the Old World scoffed at our experiment (in a democratic self-government);

today our foundation of political and social belief stands unshaken, a precious inheritance to ourselves, an inspiring example of freedom and civilization to all mankind.”

Paul Revere and other unnamed heroes

And it all began in 1770 with the first Boston Massacre, when British soldiers fired on citizens who had gathered to protest tyranny. In 1773, ordinary but irate Boston patriots dumped several boatloads of tea into the Boston Harbor in protest against excessive taxes levied by the British Crown.

On April 7, 1775, Paul Revere made his famous ride, during which he alerted the organized American militia that the British soldiers were coming to put down our efforts to gain freedom from British control. June 17, 1775 saw the Battle of Bunker Hill, first major battle of the Revolutionary War. These are just a few historical events that took place in the great city of Boston at our country's inception.

A fictional setting

I visited Boston two times while researching my novels Hannah Rose (2005) and Son of Perdition (2006), so I have a profound love for that beautiful, historic city. At right, see the Louisburg Square Townhouse I used for a model for my heroine's house in those two books.

 

Hannah Rose is now available in e-book format from amazon.com. Son of Perdition is coming soon. Check my Web site at http://blog.Louisemgouge.com





My first Love Inspired Historical (2009)

Boston is also an important setting in my first two Love Inspired Historicals, Love Thine Enemy (Harlequin 2009) and The Captain’s Lady (Harlequin 2010). In the first LIH, an American patriot lady falls in love with the son of a British earl who is one of King George III's advisors. But once the Declaration of Independence is signed, their romance is in serious jeopardy.

 

Although I've had several more Love Inspired Historical books published, I mention these because of their Boston connection.

 

And because I have been to Boston.
 

I walked the very street where, on April 15, 2013, wretched cowards placed bombs to kill and maim decent people who were out for a run to test their personal strengths. People who were enjoying their freedom! How sad that we must add this tragedy to Boston’s list of historic events. Brave patriots won our freedom for us, but this is the work of a madman.

Words of wisdom

Maya Angelou once said, “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but, if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”

We must face the past and the future with courage by refusing to let those haters of freedom frighten us into hiding in our homes. Instead we must go forth and enjoy our freedom to work, play, worship, and generally live life as we see fit.

Still going strong

Eighty years after President Harding called this nation an inspiring example of freedom and civilization to all mankind, the United States of America is still a beacon of liberty to the entire world. For those who still scoff at our liberty and despise our freedoms, let the words of Marco Rubio explain it all: “They may claim to hate us, but they sure want to be us.”

But those of good faith, including most of those Old World countries mentioned above, now wish us well. Many people the world over long to come here so they can enjoy the Land of Opportunity. To those who have the patience to come through the front doors, we say “Welcome!” Let Freedom ring!

Florida author Louise M. Gouge writes historical fiction for Harlequin's Love Inspired Historical Imprint. Her latest release is A Suitable Wife, a Regency romance set in 1814 London. Visit her blog at http://blog.Louisemgouge.com.