Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen essay winners
Last week the Morgan County News reported the winners of the VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen Winners. Over the next few weeks, we will publish the winning essays starting with the two first-place winners, Willa Anderton, the first-place winner of Voice of Democracy who now will move on to the state level, and McKenna Burby as the first-place winner of Patriots Pen.
How I am Inspired by America
America is full of inspiring people and places. But what inspires me the most are the principles America stands for. Here are three of my favorites.
The first principle that inspires me is freedom. Freedom means the power or right to act, speak, or think without restraint. Because of this principle, I am able to go to church where I want and worship how I want. Because I am free, I can say what I want and express my feelings. I can gather with my friends and my family wherever and whenever I like, and I can become whatever I want to become.
The second principle that inspires me is bravery. The meaning of bravery is courageous behavior or character. In America’s history, there have been lots of people who have showed great bravery. To me, the most brave and courageous people were the soldiers and volunteers that served in World War II. This totaled more than 16 million people. These people were brave enough to serve our country without knowing what would happen. They faced the horror of war and didn’t back down. These men and women inspire me to be brave in my life. Even though I don’t have to go to war with another country, there are times in my life where I need courage. Sometimes it (is) the courage to say no when I think something is wrong. Other times, it is the courage to be a friend to someone in need.
The third principle that inspires me is virtue. Another word for virtue is goodness, or righteousness. Throughout history, America has been an example of the good guy. America has defeated bad guys and gifted people up around the world and at home. One particular example is when Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves which resulted in the liberty of nearly 4 million people. This was the right thing (to) do. Because of this, I am inspired to do good things and to help other people in my life.
I am grateful that I live in this beautiful country with principles that inspire me to become a better person and make the world a better place.
McKenna Burb
In the land of the free and the home of the brave
This is the concept of fundamental freedoms and rights that are woven into the very fabric of the United States. Yet, in this modern age, it has become increasingly crucial to know whether these rights will allow us to remain at peace or if we are facing challenges that demand our attention.
Our democracy has many substantial attributes, but we as a nation are not taking the necessary steps to fulfill them. One main issue that we face in today’s society, that should have been solved decades ago, is allowing all persons their rights. We are all “humans.” However, not all humans are being respected or have fundamental freedoms like gender inequality and racial bias. This is due to the lack of action the democracy is taking. But, we the people have the potential to change that.
Democracy has the ability to promote political participation, protect human rights, and ensure accountability, while also being able to adapt to the changes in society. It stands as a beacon of hope for the future. Democracy’s potential to create and manage peace lies in its emphasis on dialogue, negotiation, and the rule of law to solve disputes. Our democracy is a dynamic and powerful system of government with immense potential. It thrives on political participation, protects human rights, demands accountability, and adapts to the evolving needs of society.
In this complex world, the principles of democracy can guide us toward a brighter future. The potential of our democracy lies not only in the principles it needs to uphold but also in its ability to inspire positive change and progress. As we begin to face challenges in the future, our democracy could remain a source of hope, offering a path towards a more just and peaceful world.
Although our democracy has the ability to be great, the reality of where our government and we as a nation stand today is much different than how we might imagine it in our minds.
Fundamental freedoms are basic political liberties required in a democracy. While the United States may be known for its commitment to fundamental freedoms and rights, there have been historical instances where American citizens have faced challenges in exercising these rights. The Civil Rights Movement, the Japanese American Internment, LTBTQ+ Rights, Voter Suppression, Freedom of the Press, and Indigenous Rights, to name a few.
In every one of these events, American Citizens were discriminated against and/or stripped of their rights. It’s important to note that the U.S. legal system and society have evolved over time to address many of these issues, but challenges persist in ensuring the full realization of fundamental freedoms and rights for all citizens.
The First Amendment, written on the Bill of Rights, allows any individual their rights to freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. The First Amendment is neither “left or right.” It can be used to push for social and political change or to oppose change. The First Amendment is for everyone. In general, this allows an individual to act, think, or do without government interference. Our government is not the same as it was when our Founding Fathers first established the Constitution. Today, many Americans, especially people of different cultures, races, sexualities, gender, ethnicities, and religions, are not experiencing these “freedoms” or “rights.”
We must tell ourselves, are we holding the government and ourselves responsible for the breaking of the rules established so long ago?
Can we even fix what we have already done?
Should we stay comfortably where we are or take a step forward and create a better future for everyone?
It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our democracy remains strong, vibrant, and responsive to the needs of our society.
How can we do that when people aren’t being given the rights they deserve?
Democracies thrive when citizens participate. To enhance our democracy we must expand our rights to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our democracy is a living institution, and it requires our constant vigilance and effort to improve and strengthen it. We must work together to create inclusivity and accountability in our society.
Only through a collective effort can we fulfill the promise of fundamental freedoms and rights for every American, and in doing so, continue to strengthen the ideals on which our great nation was founded.
Thank you.
Willa Anderton
