Ponder for a moment the lengths to which people have gone, the trials they have endured, and the risks they have taken while fighting to gain or preserve their freedom. After all, without freedom, what do you have? The opening of In Praise of Freedom introduces an immediate sense of patriotism and independence. The brass, woodwinds and percussion take turns sharing the spotlight throughout this uplifting piece. A final fanfare praises the progress of the relentless development of freedom for all mankind.