Freedom is a Light for Which Many Men Have Died in Darkness

Philadelphia's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, visible from FIRE's offices, features an eternal flame and the inscription "FREEDOM IS A LIGHT FOR WHICH MANY MEN HAVE DIED IN DARKNESS." Both the eternal flame and the inscription have double meanings. The flame is one of remembrance of those who died in darkness and obscurity, fighting for America's freedom, and were buried in unmarked graves. But the flame also is one of remembrance of those who died and are known to posterity, those who fought for freedom and died while America was still in the darkness of tyranny. They died not knowing whether the flame of liberty would shine for their families and friends. The flame thus represents both remembrance and liberty itself. The inscription has both of these meanings as well, contrasting the darkness of obscurity with Philadelphia's choice to remember its brave dead, and contrasting the darkness of tyranny with the light of freedom. FIRE wishes everyone a happy Memorial Day.