One thing that I truly know the meaning of is freedom. After losing mine for so long, I think I treasure it more than anything. The path to freedom is not always easy and our forefathers knew this better than anyone. I thank the people who died for this country and the values it represents. They allowed us to grow and mature into the great nation we now possess.

Another thought I have is that we must all try to maintain the values that made this country great. Personal freedom is great, but personal responsibility is even more important. I hope everyone will keep this thought in mind as we celebrate this wonderful day!

Every year we all look forward to a great holiday. The Memorial Day weekend is a time for picnics and barbeques. It is easy to get caught up in the celebration and forget about how the holiday started. The holiday is for the remembrance and honoring of our nations fallen soldiers.

The holiday was first started by General John A. Logan who was a civil war general. The holiday was then known as Decoration Day and has run continuously until now. I think every American should take a minute to reflect on those who have given their lives to defend our country.

While I still love the great state of Virginia, I am not surprised to hear the latest news about the parole board. It seems that 11 inmates have gotten together and are suing over the fact that the parole board is ignoring state law. The law requires that the board thoroughly investigates if inmates are rehabilitated and should be released. The law affects inmates who were locked up before 1995.

Inmates complain that their rights have been violated and will have their day in the U.S. District Court in Richmond. The state denies the claims and wants the case dismissed. As a former member of this group of inmates, I feel that the state of Virginia has not followed this law and are in violation of it. I just hope the court feels the same way as I do!

Finally, we pulled into my new home. At first glance, the receiving center gave the impression of being a lonely place. It was surrounded by wire fencing and razor wire. It looked dirty, and dirty it turned out to be. There were the usual towers with armed guards inside who looked over the compound. We were waived through the first gate and after it was closed, allowed to proceed through the second.

We pulled up to a door and I was finally allowed to get out. I was taken inside and once in, my chains were taken off. What a relief to be able to move again! Freedom is a matter of degrees. Even though I was locked inside a building surrounded by armed guards, now that my chains were gone, I was very happy!

A guard has to “Punch you through”, and it was a weird feeling. Having been locked in the same building for the last year, to get to the point where there was only one door between me and freedom was exciting. I had no intention of trying to escape, but one naturally hopes that some scenario will enable your release. Visions of a natural disaster or some freak oversight that would lead to my being able to “make a run for it” danced through my head.

I was soon returned to reality when I was asked to sit. The concrete bench had metal circles sticking out of them and I wondered what they were for. I found out presently, when they handcuffed my right hand to the loop. Again, I waited. After awhile, the door opened and I gathered that my escort had arrived. As usual, the government paperwork had to be in proper order and it was another great wait for that to be taken care of.