"Freedombands," red wristbands similar to the yellow Lance Armstrong LIVESTRONG bands. The wristbands were designed with the words LIFE, LIBERTY, and FREEDOM inscribed with each word separated by stars.
(PRWEB) October 15, 2004 -- Some friends have recently created Freedombands," red wristbands similar to the yellow Lance Armstrong LIVESTRONG bands. The wristbands were designed by Kib and Lisa Jensen and Robert Ivie who share a love for America and wanted to do something to help our troops. The red wristband has the words LIFE, LIBERTY, and FREEDOM inscribed with each word separated by stars.
The purposes of the Freedombands are two-fold," said Jensen. The first mission is to raise $25 million dollars from wristband sales and donations. The money raised will go to existing charities that already have great programs in place to help support the troops. The charities include the Air Force Aid Society, the Army Emergency Relief, the Fisher House Foundation, the Navy & Marine Corps Aid Society, the Red Cross, and the United Service Organizations (USO).
These charities provide great services to our troops, such as helping them stay in contact with loved ones, providing inexpensive places for them and their families to stay while receiving medical treatment, and providing college scholarships for children who have lost a parent in combat."
The second purpose of the Freedombands," Jensen continued, is to serve as a visible symbol and reminder to our families and fellow Americans of the respect we have for those who have given their lives, been wounded in action, or continue to serve in the military – they are a daily reminder to ourselves and others, of the sacrifices being made by our troops. Wearing a Freedomband is like wearing your heart on your sleeve, a visible symbol to show that you love and support our country and our troops, and hopefully it will inspire others to feel the same."
Freedombands, and the non-profit group, Share Our Gifts Foundation, were created one Saturday in August while Jensen, Ivie and another friend Kermit McKinney were working with a group of Boy Scouts on an Eagle project. They started talking about what they could do to help support the troops and make a difference for good. They had friends who have been involved in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and Jensen had served for six years in the Air National Guard. They felt it was their duty as American citizens to do something to help and support those who are risking their lives in the service of our country. Inspired by the success and popularity of the Lance Armstrong yellow LIVESTRONG wristband, the idea of Freedombands was born.
Whether or not you agree philosophically or politically with the wars and conflicts in which America is involved shouldnt matter," said Ivie. As Americans we should all be united in our love for our country and for those who defend our freedoms. All of us should also honor the sacrifices of our brave men and women who serve or have served in the military. Every one of them gives something, and some of them have given everything. Their safety should occupy our thoughts and prayers continually. Our hearts should be filled with gratitude for their brave service."
So when you notice the Freedomband on your wrist or someone elses," added Lisa, pause for just a moment to realize and appreciate all the freedoms we continue to enjoy because of those who have sacrificed to keep us free. Each of us can do our small part to help and honor our troops."
The cost for a Freedomband is only $1.00 and they can be purchased in packs of ten or more online at www.supportusatroops.com. That August summer day, as friends created the Freedomband, their hope was and is that every American will daily wear the red Freedomband to show their patriotism and support of our troops.
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