Hauppauge HS Senior Daniel S. Smith Wins Smithtown's VFW 2014 Voice Of Democracy Competition

2014 VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Competition 

The VFW National Voice of Democracy competition provides high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors the opportunity to write and record a 3-5 minute broadcast script on a patriotic theme, competing for more than $2.3 million in college scholarships and incentives. State winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to enjoy our nation’s capital and compete for $152,000 in scholarships—first place receiving a $30,000 scholarship.

Dan Smith First Place winner In 2014 VFW Voice Of Democracy CompetitionSmithtown VFW Post 10870 sponsors the competition locally every year and has now expanded the program to include Smithtown HS East, Smithtown HS West, and Hauppauge HS. The Post awards scholarships to winners of the competition, as judged by the Post Voice of Democracy committee, and presents Certificates of Achievement to all winners and finalists.

The theme for this year’s essay was “Why Veterans are Important to our Nation’s History and Future”. This year’s 1^st place winner is Daniel S. Smith, Hauppague High School with an overall high score  of 668 out of a possible 700…. Daniel’s essay will advance in the National competition to VFW County level judging.  Matthew J. Stewart and Ryan L. Scheinberg, both from Smithtown HS West,  won second and third place respectively. 

Daniel Smith’s winning essay:

“VOICES OF DEMOCRACY” 2014

Daniel S. Smith

They are the strongest of strong, yet the humblest of humble. They are revered as heroes, yet they view themselves as being no more noble than their fellow citizens. They are our veterans; a class in itself.

Veterans have always played a key role in the way that I perceive our government and culture. I had been introduced to these extra-ordinary heroes the same way that many other youth had; through the colorful images and posters that were showcased with pride on our classroom walls. Displayed here were the service men and women who put their all on the line, so that I might have the opportunity to give my all in life.

Through adolescence, I grew to see why they were so unique and different. They weren’t two dimensional or fictional…they were real life heroes, who I could aspire to be in strength and character.

Now, as I prepare to enter my young adult life, I often reflect on just how fortunate I am to live in the greatest nation on Earth. To think that cohorts of brave men and women before me have fought for the rights and liberties that I enjoy today. To think that individuals have laid their own lives down, just so that we could have a chance to herald in the next day. To think…that we are a nation that has been built on the selflessness, generosity, and kindness of others.

As wonderful as it may sound in concept though, Sometimes you really just have to stop and ponder how someone could be so selfless, to put their own life at stake so that you may have the opportunity to excel in your own. There is so much that can be accomplished in a life well spent. So may experiences to savor, and relationships to grow from, all of the things that define the human experience.

Why are Veterans important to our nation’s history and future? Because a veteran gives us the single greatest gift that anyone can receive. They may not give us the gift of life, but they give us the gift of a life that can have potential to flourish. They are our beacon and our hope, as we continue to struggle in these ever changing times to maintain the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

I owe everything I know and love to the generations of individuals who have made it accessible to me. You the veterans of our nation are the sealant that seals our credo to bring peace and justice to a world in need. Thank you for giving it your all. Thank you for defining who we are. And most importantly, Thank you for the opportunities