Link Veazey served in the Army Air Corps, a forerunner of the U.S. Air Force, from 1943-45. He was stationed in England during World War II and flew bombing raids over Europe aboard B-24 bombers. He later served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1979. Today, at 81, he is retired and living in Snellville.

“What does freedom mean to me? That’s a tough one to answer. Freedom is a state of being, a state of mind in which an individual is free of any restrictions. I lost a lot of good friends in the war who gave their lives so I could enjoy that peace of mind that comes from being free every day of my life. You know, you never know how precious freedom is unless you have lost it, and there were plenty of people in Europe who were grateful that we helped them regain it.

“Freedom is a wonderful thing. Does freedom mean being free from being poor? No, you can be poor and still be free. Does it mean being free from worry? No, you still have bills to pay and responsibilities to meet. True freedom, though, is deeper than having the ability to accumulate material possessions. True freedom is only found through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He gives me the freedom to be myself and to reach my potential through service to Him.

“Being free doesn’t mean making the right choices all the time. Heaven knows we sometimes make some bad decisions.

“Freedom is worth fighting for and dying for, as difficult as that might be. It’s worth paying the ultimate sacrifice. I had a dear friend who died at age 22 in the Battle of the Bulge. Because of his sacrifice I’ve been able to live an additional 60 years and retire as a free man.

“I’m grateful that God allowed me to be born in the United States and that I was able to serve our nation when the call came.”

Link Veazey, First Baptist Church, Snellville

 

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