In America, we equate the celebration of freedom with July, the month of the signing of the Declaration of Independence from King George. After the Civil War, all Americans born on our soil experienced freedom as their birthright. Our founding fathers no longer wanted us to experience freedom FROM something, rather the freedom TO choose one’s own way. Our great nation deliberately abdicated rule over the people and instead invited its citizens to exercise free will. With freedom comes great personal responsibility of making the right choices given lengthy aisles filled with many flavorful options. As we look at the significance of several designated days in February, we remember that although freedom is a condition of our environment, it begins within the flame of independence burning in each of us.