22 May Memorial Day: Honoring Our Heroes and Free Speech

As the last Monday in May approaches, our nation pauses. We observe Memorial Day, a solemn and deeply meaningful day of remembrance. This is a time when we collectively honor extraordinary men and women. They made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their lives in service to the United States military. Their courage and unwavering commitment secured our freedoms. These liberties are the bedrock of our society.

The Foundation of Freedom: Speech and Sacrifice

At the Free Speech Film Festival, we believe freedom of speech is among our most precious liberties. Through expression, we keep alive the stories of those we lost. We engage in vital conversations about the costs of conflict. Furthermore, we champion the ongoing fight for justice and human rights. Memorial Day reminds us that people often defended the right to speak, to dissent, to inform, and to create at immense personal cost.

In the spirit of remembrance and renewed appreciation for our freedoms, we highlight five powerful films. These films, from the Free Speech Film Festival archives, resonate deeply with themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring fight for liberty. This applies both on and off the battlefield. Through diverse lenses, they remind us that the struggle for freedom is universal. They also show that the human voice—whether through action, advocacy, or artistic expression—is paramount.

These films perfectly exemplify the narratives we champion through our Free Speech Storyline program. This ongoing research project traces the profound, often “bloody path of sacrifice and self-empowerment.” It shows how the concept of Free Speech evolved from the Magna Carta in 1215 through centuries. Ultimately, it became a core value of the American Constitution. Inspired by Violet Oakley’s historic murals in the PA State Capitol Building, the Free Speech Storyline emphasizes this journey of freedom. Indeed, the constant vigilance it demands remains as relevant today as ever.

American INSIGHT’s Free Speech Films™

1. Women of War: Invisible Directed by Major Gloria A. Downey

Major Gloria A. Downey’s not-for-profit independent film courageously asks, “Can you see us now?” Women of War: Invisible shines a much-needed light on the often-unacknowledged experiences and sacrifices of women in conflict. This drama is a powerful act of free speech itself, giving voice to those whose stories have historically been overlooked. It compels us to remember that the human cost of war extends beyond the front lines, impacting all who serve and the societies they defend.

2. Boxed Directed by Wanjiru Njendu

Though not a military narrative, Wanjiru Njendu’s short thriller, Boxed, resonates profoundly with the spirit of Memorial Day. This fictionalized account, based on the true story of Henry “Box” Brown, an enslaved man who mailed himself to freedom in 1849, highlights an extraordinary act of courage and an ingenious fight for liberty. Brown’s terrifying escape was an ultimate act of defiance and self-determination, a powerful “speech” through action that embodies the fight for fundamental human rights against overwhelming oppression – a fight that countless individuals have made sacrifices for throughout history.

3. Activized Directed by Eric Stange

Activized follows seven ordinary Americans who step out of their comfort zones to become involved in crucial movements for gun violence prevention, voting rights, and immigrants’ rights. This documentary powerfully illustrates that the freedoms secured by past sacrifices are not static; they require constant vigilance and active participation. It is through the free expression of concerned citizens, their advocacy and organization, that society continues to evolve and uphold the very democratic ideals that Memorial Day commemorates.

4. The Future is Ours Directed by Ed Madison

What does the future hold, and who will shape it? The Future is Ours features Gen Z journalists tackling critical issues like climate change, school shootings, racial tensions, and devastating wars. Many of these young voices are eligible to vote for the first time, demonstrating that the fight for a better world continues through active civic engagement and the powerful medium of journalism. This film reminds us that the legacy of freedom is passed on to each new generation, who must use their voices to confront contemporary challenges, honoring the sacrifices of the past by building a more just future.

5. Urania Leilus Directed by Andrew Serban

Andrew Serban’s short film, Urania Leilus, delivers a chilling and vital warning. It depicts a young female journalist facing death threats after witnessing human rights abuses at an ICE detention center. This film serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the ever-present threat of fascism, where journalists are silenced and basic human rights are violated. Urania Leilus underscores the critical importance of free speech in safeguarding democracy and highlights the courage required to expose injustice—a freedom that Memorial Day’s heroes died to protect.

Join Us in Championing Free Expression

This Memorial Day, as we remember the profound sacrifices made for our nation’s freedoms, we also invite you to consider how these freedoms continue to be championed today. The films of the Free Speech Film Festival, particularly those featured in our Eventive Page, offer powerful narratives. They deepen our understanding of liberty, courage, and the essential role of free expression.

We encourage you to explore these compelling stories. Join us in celebrating those who use their voices to make a difference. Tickets for our upcoming Free Speech Award Ceremony, taking place on November 12th, 2025, at The Philadelphia Club, are available now! Use promo code SAVENOW! for general admission tickets until September 1st. Secure your spot and support free expression here:

https://americaninsight.networkforgood.com/events/86490-free-speech-award