July 4th, 2009:  The Fight for Freedom in Cherokee County, SC

America’s patriotic celebrations, like July 4th, include many references to battles fought and sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

Even in our national anthem, we sing about “the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air.“

This holiday, thousands of our troops continue fighting a battle for freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Others are keeping an eye on rogue nations that would threaten the freedoms Americans cherish.

In Cherokee County, South Carolina, the threat to freedom is different but very real and serious.

A serial killer has claimed four lives in six days in that county, and a fifth victim, a teenage girl, is fighting to survive a gunshot wound to the head suffered during the latest incident Thursday night (7/2).

Folks in Cherokee County are feeling anger and fear.

Many are locked and loaded, keeping their guns close by.

It’s an all-new fight for freedom.

In many senses, a fight for survival.

Americans taking up arms to repel the threat of an evil power.

Since 1776 we have fought this battle.

Freedom for sure isn’t free, as we learn anew by watching what our friends and neighbors are enduring in Cherokee County.

God bless them all, especially our brave guardians who are tracking down the killer and will eventually bring him to justice.

July 4th, 2009.

Stay safe, stay vigilant, in the name of the freedoms we all celebrate as Americans.

The following quote was given to News Channel 7’s Chris Cato by Trey Gowdy, solicitor for Cherokee and Spartanburg Counties:

“My heart is broken for the family, friends and loved ones of the victims.  My heart is broken for us as a community that evil could exist and manifest itself in such horrific fashion.  I continue to pray for peace and comfort for those directly effected and for wisdom for the men and women who are working so hard to apprehend the killer.  I would encourage our community to remain vigilant, cautious, and conscious of everything around them.  No lead is too small to pass on, no information is too tangential to share with law enforcement.  I remain convinced the killer will be caught and justice will be swift and certain.“

If you have information that could help solve the serial killings, even the smallest tip, call 9-1-1 right away.