A dictionary’s definition of ‘freedom’ provides its meaning from a scholarly perspective. It offers detail regarding the origin and root meaning. But what makes it something for which people will fight, sacrifice, and even risk life itself? The access to self-determination is a blessing and one we somehow intuitively know is worth the effort to achieve and defend. With freedom as the prize, individuals have summoned the courage to face mortal danger, act on promptings, endure separation from loved ones, and literally ‘walk into the fire’ because taking care of each other is just the right thing to do. This year’s Freedom Awards will honor individuals who have given meaning and depth to those seven letters, taking them from the pages of a dictionary into our hearts and souls.