Marion Middle School students wrote essays as part of the Patriots Pen essay contest, sponsored by Marion VFW Post 6958 Ladies Auxiliary. First-place winners are eighth-grader Jacob Baldwin and seventh-grader Zach Fruechting.
Kaylie Waner and McKenzee Remmers, seventh and eighth grade, respectively, came in second.
The first-place winners received a $100 U.S. savings bond. Second-place winners received a $50 U.S. savings bond.
The contest consists of four levels. The first level is sponsored by local VFW posts. Post winners advance to the VFW District (regional) level where the first-place winner advances to the VFW department (state) level. The first-place winner advances to the VFW national competition. The winner from each state competes for national prizes.
This year’s theme was “Does patriotism still matter?”
Following are the first-place essays:
Is Patriotism Still Important?
By Jacob Baldwin
Is patriotism still important? To answer this question you have to know what the word patriotism means. In the Microsoft Encarta dictionary the word “patriotism” means to support ones country, but a patriot to me is someone who not just supports, but would do anything for their country. This is one of the reasons we won our independence from Great Brittan back in the 1700s. When it came down to life or death, America’s soldiers, or patriots, willingly laid their lives on the line so we could later be free. While the British who didn’t necessarily care what happened in the colonies, would rather go home to England and get paid than die.
Patriotism is a key ingredient in the glue that keeps America together. Without patriots we as a country could never be, and even if we did succeed in creating a new country, we would have quickly slid into anarchy. If not for patriot leaders, we could have never written a constitution or any of the documents that serve as the cornerstone of our great nation. This world needs patriots. It needs people who will do anything to keep our country strong and united.
Since America was founded as an independent country we have been involved in 11 major conflicts and are still involved in our 12th the “War on Terror,” which may never be over completely. For each major and minor conflict there have been soldiers fighting and dying for us. For this we must be forever grateful. Men and women from all over America have fought and died for us. They made the ultimate sacrifice for us; for America. These people, these heroes, are the definition of patriotism. Willingly giving their lives for people they’ve never met and future generations. No number of monuments or statues that we dedicate to their bravery and sacrifice can ever measure up to what they really did for us. We can keep the memory of them alive by being patriots ourselves; honor them by honoring our soldiers and veterans today. If you see a soldier or veteran say, “Thank you for what you’ve done for us.” Patriotism and patriots have shaped this country and preserved it. Remember them and their sacrifices.
Does Patriotism Still Matter?
By Zach Fruechting
Patriotism is as important to me as the air I breathe. Does patriotism still matter? Yes! It is the cornerstone in which our great country, the United States of America, was founded. Dictionary.com defines patriotism as “devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country and national loyalty.” The word patriotism comes from the Greek word patris, meaning fatherland, but it is so much more to me.
My grandfathers both served in the military when they were younger as well as other relatives. My brother currently serves in the Army and will go to Afghanistan next summer to defend our country. I have learned that their sacrifices are a part of the reason why I get to live in a free country. I am proud of my family heritage and proud to be an American. Many people have given their time, some their lives, to fight for the freedom I get to enjoy every day.
It seems to me that the very least I can do is to show my pride for my country, my patriotism, every opportunity I get. I stand proudly and salute the American flag at parades, I sing the national anthem at ballgames and I put my flag out on my porch on patriotic holidays. I am in Boy Scouts and I participate in an American flag ceremony and Pledge of Allegiance at every meeting. My Dad and I helped with the flags that were put on the graves of veterans on Veteran’s Day.
Patriotism matters to me because it is the way I can show support for my country to those who have served and are serving in the military to keep our country free. I am proud of my country and I am glad to show it! I will do my part to make sure that patriotism never goes out of style. Rock on U.S.A.!