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Phillips wins first in VFW Essay Contest
May 13, 2005 11:25 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Seventh-grader Ian Phillips recently won first place in the Floyd County Veteran's of Foreign Wars Essay Writing Contest, Patriot's Pen. Read the full text of his essay below:
"Every good citizen makes his country’s honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious but as sacred. He is willing to risk his life in its defense and is conscious that he gains protection while he gives it.” - Andrew Jackson
This statement by America’s seventh president Andrew Jackson shows what citizenship and service means to him. To me, service to our country means much more than just putting on a camouflage uniform.
The people that serve our country by being in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines, risk their lives every day to help their country in many ways. Even before the 1800s, American soldiers fought for our freedom and rights in the Revolutionary War. Even to this very day, they are fighting against terrorism for America’s safety and protection.
Many rights that American citizens have, such as freedom of religion and speech, are not things Americans should take for granted. Some countries don’t allow their citizens to have many of the rights that the United States has. We have many rights as citizens because of the men and women who gave their lives to fight for them. It takes optimistic soldiers to believe that they will improve the future for the United States.
Although some people don’t volunteer to join the army, they also contribute to America to create a brighter future for Americans as well. Police and firemen help the United States enforce laws, and keep it running smoothly. Without policemen, many American cities would have many criminals and no law or organization. The firemen in the U.S. help during times of crises and fire.
One of the most tragic, and devastating crisis to ever occur in the United States, happened on September 11, 2001, when over 3,000 people died in a matter of hours. Fire, smoke, and debris wrecked the city. At the end of the day, the firemen lifted an American flag to show that the U.S. was still a strong, united, and patriotic country.
Many things such as war, terrorism, and crises tear at America. The patriotism and strength of the United States has kept us together for more than 200 years. Service to our country means helping it through good and bad times, and never giving up, no matter what. Service also means showing patriotism and being a great citizen. That is what service to our country means to me.
As first-place winner, Phillips received a $200 U.S. Savings Bond.
"Every good citizen makes his country’s honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious but as sacred. He is willing to risk his life in its defense and is conscious that he gains protection while he gives it.” - Andrew Jackson
This statement by America’s seventh president Andrew Jackson shows what citizenship and service means to him. To me, service to our country means much more than just putting on a camouflage uniform.
The people that serve our country by being in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines, risk their lives every day to help their country in many ways. Even before the 1800s, American soldiers fought for our freedom and rights in the Revolutionary War. Even to this very day, they are fighting against terrorism for America’s safety and protection.
Many rights that American citizens have, such as freedom of religion and speech, are not things Americans should take for granted. Some countries don’t allow their citizens to have many of the rights that the United States has. We have many rights as citizens because of the men and women who gave their lives to fight for them. It takes optimistic soldiers to believe that they will improve the future for the United States.
Although some people don’t volunteer to join the army, they also contribute to America to create a brighter future for Americans as well. Police and firemen help the United States enforce laws, and keep it running smoothly. Without policemen, many American cities would have many criminals and no law or organization. The firemen in the U.S. help during times of crises and fire.
One of the most tragic, and devastating crisis to ever occur in the United States, happened on September 11, 2001, when over 3,000 people died in a matter of hours. Fire, smoke, and debris wrecked the city. At the end of the day, the firemen lifted an American flag to show that the U.S. was still a strong, united, and patriotic country.
Many things such as war, terrorism, and crises tear at America. The patriotism and strength of the United States has kept us together for more than 200 years. Service to our country means helping it through good and bad times, and never giving up, no matter what. Service also means showing patriotism and being a great citizen. That is what service to our country means to me.
As first-place winner, Phillips received a $200 U.S. Savings Bond.
