Smithtown VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Contest Winner Jessica Spiers Hauppague HS
What makes America great?
This is a question that has been pondered for years, and has no singular answer. There are countless reasons that America is great from freedoms granted to us in the Constitution to our multicultural society, but a reason that stands out to many is the determination of our soldiers. Millions of American soldiers have proved time and again that they are willing to put their lives on the line for the freedoms of the rest of the country.
Veterans have contributed so much to this country, often performing courageous actions without hesitation. An example of a soldier who emulated this quality is Private First Class Jacklyn Lucas. During World War II, Private Lucas threw himself on top of two grenades to protect his fellow marines, risking his own life to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. Due to this heroic action, he was awarded with the Medal of Honor at 17 years old, making him one of the youngest recipients in United States history. This type of courage is a staple of soldiers and veterans in this country, making America great each and every day.
American greatness is determined by the people in our country who make a difference in society, people who go out of their way to do the right thing and stand up for what they believe in. There is no better example of this than American soldiers, fighting for what they believe in: America. When war begins, fear is prominent amongst Americans, but soldiers fight that fear and rise to the occasion and perform the jobs that many are too fearful to do. Veterans are the foundation of this country, and without them we would not have any of the liberties we often take for granted.
As Richard Grenier once said, “People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf”. This quote captures the spirit of American soldiers, willing to fight for the greater good and for Americans at home. Many of the things that are considered to make America great are available to us only because of the work done by veterans. Without veterans, we would not have any of the ideals we hold so important like democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and so many more. These are the pillars of American society, and they are upheld by the veterans who allowed them to be created, and the soldiers who continue to defend them. One of the characteristics that Americans value very highly is bravery. Bravery and courage are traits that are ideal in any person, but are most distinctive in a veteran. To have courage is to have strength in the face of fear, which is something not many people can do. However, this is done on a daily basis by soldiers, and they do this because they are fighting for America and everything that Americans believe in. Veterans and soldiers have given so much to our country, sacrificing everything to uphold American values. Having fought for our country is one of the most honorable things one can do, and it is because of these brave people that America is truly great.
2019 Voice of Democracy Essay Contest
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed 3-5 minute recorded essay. Each year, nearly 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
Up to fifteen finalists are selected from entries at the three Smithtown high schools, and are judged by the veteran Voice of Democracy committee. Local post certificates and cash scholarships are awarded to the winners. The first place post winner goes on to compete at County, District and NY State (Department) level for additional awards. The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.