In 1986 (the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty) I was asked to write the lyrics to a John Drymon melody for a theme song that was to be used for a video tracing the history of the Statue of Liberty. At first I was skeptical that I could do the project justice. Although I had been a successful songwriter and had written hundreds of songs, I had never written anything like a patriotic song before so I didn't know where to start.

I must admit I was one of the millions of complacent Americans who rarely thought about what it means to live in a free society. After a month of research, I had a totally different perspective on the many freedoms that we enjoy in this great country. I finally realized what a great privilege it is to live in America. We are truly blessed.

After I finished the lyrics and the song was complete, Liberty was selected to be performed by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra at the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty celebration event at Liberty State Park in NJ. It was performed live with a 68-piece orchestra. The reaction to the song by the 15,000 people in the audience was nothing less than remarkable. Knowing that the song had such a positive affect on so many people made it one of the most emotional and inspiring days of my life.

When the tragedies of September 11th occurred, I, like millions of other Americans, asked myself "besides money, what do I have to give that could help"? Liberty immediately came to mind. I thought if the song could have such a positive affect on thousands of people 15 years ago during a time of peace, imagine how it could help to inspire, encourage, heal, and unite Americans after the tragic events of September 11th. 

LIBERTY has been performed by the US Army Band. The song has been featured at many national Independence Day events, September 11th. memorial services, school functions, church and candlelight services, and many other events all around the country. The song has taken on a life of its own, being circulated through the Internet to tens of thousands of people around the world.

I hope that Ronnie's wonderful rendition of LIBERTY will remind you of the many freedoms that we enjoy and what a true privilege it is to live in this great country.

                                                                                             Michael Berardi