Veterans Day

Day 63------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Veterans Day Essay Competition
Topic: What Veterans Day Means to Me
350 word maximum
Prizes: Gift Cards to Walmart
1st place - $50
2nd place - $30
3rd place - $20
                                   


                                                      Veterans Day


What used to be known as Armistice Day to celebrate those who served in World War 1, Veterans Day was officially established on June 1, 1954 to honor all of our men and women who have fought for our rights and freedom in the United States of America.

Veterans Day is a day when our country can take a moment from our busy lives to appreciate and remember that freedom doesn't come free. It's a day to remember the 1,350,000 men and women who have lost their lives in the past 231 years, a time to thank the 3,000,000 men and women who are currently serving in the U.S. military, and a moment to take our hats off to the 23,530,000 veterans who are alive today.

Most all of these people have witnessed the cruelty and brutality of war. The harsh smell of sulfur, the piercing sound of gunfire, the agony of sharp objects as they slice through their skin, the taste of copper and salt as the blood and sweat and tears pour down their faces. But most of all, our soldiers have seen the pain, suffering, and chaos of the unforgiving battle field. Those who have returned home to their families have been scarred forever with the terror and bloodshed that not even the most courageous of men could ever forget.

I believe it is important, for all of us as a nation, to commemorate those who have laid down their lives for this country. Although the world will little note what is said about our veterans, it can never forget what they have done for us, the people of the United States of America, for the hard work of our beloved soldiers shows in the freedom and rights that we still have today.




This piece was written by me and today, at our Veterans Day Assembly, my essay was chosen for 1st place in the essay competition. I, one of the youngest students on campus, won 1st place. Out of all the other essays, I did it. Me. Why? Because I believed I could. I got myself here. I studied. I did the research. I earned it.

*P.S.*
One of the veterans who was there today was so impressed, he pulled me aside and said, "I haven't heard someone your age speak about us veterans like that in a very long time. Because of that, take this."
He handed me $50 cash. I tried not to accept it but he insisted. And he was from the Yakama Nation and when and elder tells you something, you damn well better do it.