Letter: Don't surrender our freedom to terrorists

The 4th of July horror in Highland Park has been most disheartening and a time of reflection for us all.

Allow me to share; I am a 74-year-old man who, throughout my adulthood, has strived to be a good husband, father and provider for my family. To the best of my abilities, I have also tried to contribute to the betterment of our community. I most certainly, however, do not think of myself as a hero.

That said, recent events have reminded me of the 9/11 attack in 2001. Then, like now, we were all shocked. Regardless, as a sales executive, as soon as it was announced that air travel would resume, I was determined to schedule an appointment with a customer in order to be one of the first travelers to return to O'Hare Airport.

Fast forwarding to the present, our son was at the Highland Park parade. He called us frantically as he was running for his life but thankfully, he was not harmed. Subsequently, I shared my 9/11 story and told him, if he is willing and if Highland Park has a 4th of July parade next year, I will be proud to attend with him.

I have read several recent commentaries stating that, because of these mass shootings, we are losing our freedom. I respectfully disagree.

In America, no one can take our freedom from us; only we can cede our freedom to them. I repeat, I am not a hero but my point is, I will not surrender my freedom to any terrorist, foreign or domestic.

Ron Coppel

Schaumburg