Preston VFW and Auxiliary are proud to announce the winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests. Audra Otto won first place at the district level and second place at the state level for the Voice of Democracy. Katelyn Scheevel won first place at the local level for the Patriot’s Pen, and Hayden Hjelmeland won second place at the local level for the Patriot’s Pen. Congratulations.
Voice of Democracy Essay 1st Place
What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?
By Audra Otto
What are the greatest attributes of our democracy? What makes our country a point of pride for its citizens, a beacon of light to immigrants, and in many ways a haven for those who call America home? What can be emphasized as the reason our country is, in fact, a democracy?
When I think about the greatest attributes of this country, I think about the opportunity it offers the people who live here. The United States is a place where you can become whatever you dream of. Your success is to be determined by your passion, your drive, and your yearning for more; not simply by what those in power say you can and cannot achieve. Our democracy is a place where you can start anew and have second chances to rewrite your legacy.
There is a reason that crowds upon crowds of less fortunate people from countries in distress dream to make it to America and be sheltered from the horrors of their home land. This is a place where they can achieve prosperity and know that the stability and safety of our country is far more important to those in power than winning violent wars with those whom they disagree. The freedom we enjoy is the enabler to our dreams and security.
We owe our freedom to the brave men and women who have fought and died for our country. Without the freedom we have now, there would be no democracy to consider, and no chance for those who dream of making their own way to have success. Consider the horrendous scenes our veterans had to endure; think about what tragedies occur each and every time a U.S. soldier is brought down by hatred and violence. Why do they do it? Why risk so much, for people they don’t even know?
They do it out of their enormous capacity for love, out of hope. Hope that with every sacrifice, no matter how great or small, life is made better for someone. When the heroes who fought, and continue to fight, for our democracy endure struggles, what might be on their mind? These people aren’t thinking of themselves. They are thinking of the little girl who has been belittled and dragged down by those around her, who hopes with all her might for the opportunity to become someone strong enough to escape the trauma that has befallen her. They are thinking of the family who doesn’t know where its next meal will come from and is driven crazy wondering how long the family unit can all stay together in the midst of turmoil and violence. These heroes are thinking of a newly freed prisoner, who deeply regrets his actions and truly has a desire to turn his life around, to start again with a clean slate.
A further point of pride for American citizens is the diversity and wide array of people gathered in this country. We are a stronger nation because of the differing backgrounds and perspectives of our people, and we continuously grow as we learn to work together with those who are different from us. People of all backgrounds and identities are welcomed into our country with open arms; this is thanks to the sacrifices of our veterans who recognized the need to fight for the equality of all. Not only do they fight for the well-being and freedom of their own country, but they stand up for democracies all over the world and are there to defend those who are discriminated against.
An especially admirable attribute of our democracy is our ability to keep working towards improvement, to know that there are always greater heights we can reach, both as individuals and as a country. There are always problems to be solved, and flaws to be acknowledged. Thankfully, our country is structured in a way that allows us to voice those problems, to demand better, and to fix what has been broken. We are entitled to this freedom of speech, as well as so many other freedoms, thanks to veterans both past and present. When looking to improve ourselves, we have only to look at a veteran to be inspired. They push us and our whole country forward towards a brighter future.
In conclusion, there are so many aspects of our democracy to take pride in. These include opportunity, safety, freedom, equality and diversity. It is essential that we never take for granted these gifts that were bestowed upon us by those who fight for our country, and to remember what it costs for us to enjoy them. Our nation is a great one, and it is held up by the backbone of brave veterans who are willing to sacrifice so much for their country.
Patriot’s Pen Essay 1st Place
How America Inspires Me
By Katelyn Scheevel
The crowd quiets as the pep band prepares to strike the first notes of our country’s national anthem. As they play, I always feel a sense of pride and spirit for my country. Looking at the stars and stripes on the flag, I think of the history that has gone down to form the country we have today, and how none of that would be possible without the wars fought and losses veterans had to endure, memories they still sustain. America’s national anthem represents what is inspiring about our country, our freedom and the men and women who fought for it.
When I face the flag during the “Star Spangled Banner,” I imagine being in battle, how alarming the bombs must have been, seeing the American flag still standing, patriotic as ever, and all the people rejoicing. Each time I face our flag, I put my hand over my heart and show respect to those fearless men and women who won the wars of the past.
When someone says America, I think of the courage, selflessness, and loyalty of the veterans. I think of my family members who have been in the military, thankful for their service to our country, but forever grateful that they were some of the ones who came home. They are the ones who courageously fought the enemy, yet tell me stories and jokes, give me nicknames and laugh like they don’t have a care in the world. They are my family, a part of America, and a true inspiration to me.
In history class, we learn about our veterans, the heroes of this great nation, knowing that the battles they have fought have made it possible for me to live in the land of the free. I find the smallest things bringing me pride and patriotism, whether it be saying the Pledge of Allegiance, listening to my grandpas’ war stories, or singing our national anthem.
Learning about America has, is, and always will be one of the most important things in my life. The joy and pride in bringing others together to sing the national anthem at an athletic event is second to none. I will forever and always be inspired by my country, because though times could become rougher than they’ve ever been, we always find a way to pull through, and find freedom and peace in each other.
Patriot’s Pen Essay 2nd Place
How I’m Inspired by America
By Hayden Hjelmeland
I’m inspired by the way America has so many Freedoms. The fact that you can simply walk around town or visit the park with very few rules. I am amazed that you can choose what religion you study, or if you believe you can do something like start a business you can simply just do it. I enjoy the freedoms that I have and I know that I take advantage of them sometimes. Like if I were to complain about the meals my mother makes, and to think places around the world have no food for their people. When I complain how we aren’t watching the tv show I want, and there are people just trying to survive the night. Then I stop and remember these things and how we got these freedoms, it was because of the soldiers that fought for them.
I’m also inspired by the people around me. I think it’s interesting that anyone can earn billions of dollars by just putting forth the effort. If I were to want to start a small business one day, the only thing stopping me would be myself. I could be the next big business owner, only because no one is stopping me because of my freedom.
It also inspires me the way people express themselves. The way people stand up for what they believe in is incredible, if you think something isn’t right you can go out and protest. In some countries if you were to protest against the government and or leader you could be executed or put in prison, so the fact that we can stand up for our rights is pretty nice.
The final thing that inspires me about America are the people that live here. The famous people, the entrepreneurs, and most importantly the soldiers. There are many people that could be recognized as famous or important, but that’s only because of the soldiers. The soldiers that put their lives on the line so we could sleep safe at night, the soldiers that died so America could be a free nation, and the soldiers who did this all through the generosity of their hearts. I am proud to live in America where there are these great people.
Thank you.
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