There is something exhilarating about being in Provo during America's Freedom Festival and Fourth of July Celebration. There is a greater sense of patriotism, thanksgiving and family - more than any other time of year.
For me, this year's Freedom Festival had much greater meaning. It was my honor to be hostess to Freedom Award recipients Betty Mah-moody and her daughter Mahtob.Known for her best-selling book and the recent movie "Not Without My Daughter," Betty (and Mahtob) brought to Provo the essence of this year's festival theme - The Price of Freedom.
In 1984, Betty and Mahtob went on a two-week vacation to meet family members in Iran with their Iranian-born husband and father. While packing for the return home, Betty was informed that she and Mahtob would be staying in Iran - held as prisoners.
Through the next 18 months, several beatings, weight loss and persecution, Betty, with Mahtob's help, planned their escape. It took them into treacherous, war-torn areas. On foot, horseback and in rundown autos they made their way to the Turkish border and to freedom.
Betty paid the price for freedom. She understands what it means to have freedom taken away - to be a prisoner. She also understands what it means to live in America, to love the flag and to fight for freedom.
During their stay in Provo, Betty and Mahtob were able to share with thousands those personal feelings about freedom and love of this country. Suprisingly, many women sought out Betty to share similar stories with her. They, too, were looking for freedom for their own children. Some of these children have been taken out of the country to live in Third World conditions, without hope of returning.
Even here in Happy Valley, there is concern for the safety of children. Betty told of two children taken from their mother and sent to the Middle East. After a while, their father sold them to some villagers in another country. It was years before the mother was able to locate them and bring them home.
Families all over the globe are paying a dear price for their freedom. Many are still hoping for freedom. Since her ordeal in Iran, Betty has been overwhelmed at the numbers of individuals who have had experiences similar to hers but were unable to escape with their children.
In Germany, Betty's book is the No. 1 best seller of all time. Last year, she was named Germany's Woman of the Year. Betty could have stayed incognito, her story unuttered. But she didn't. And because she shared her experiences, others can feel they are not alone in the price they are paying for freedom.
For those who didn't get to talk with Betty, or who are seeking help, Betty has formed a foundation to help children all over the world who have been abducted and taken to foreign countries. For information and help write Betty Mahmoody at: One World For Children, 223 N. Shiawassee St., P.O. Box 124, Corunna, MI 48817, or call (517) 743-5621.
(Genelle Larsen, Orem, is the editorial assistant in the Deseret News' Utah County bureau.)