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Avril Susie's essay chosen best in VFW Voice of Democracy contest

Lead Summary
By
Mavis Fodness

Three Hills-Beaver Creek Secondary students were recently honored by the Wilmont VFW and VFW Auxiliary as winners in the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests.
Joining the H-BC students in the contests were students from Adrian and Worthington Christian Schools.
Patriot’s Pen are entries from students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades. This year’s essay theme is “My Pledge to Our Veteran.”
Avery Winter from Fulda High School was the first-place winner. Brynn Bakken from H-BC was second along with H-BC’s Hailey Moser. The first- and second-place winners are now entered into the district contest.
Voice of Democracy entries are from students in grades 9-12. This year’s theme is “Why is the Veteran Important?”
Avril Susie from H-BC was chosen as this year’s Voice of Democracy essay winner. Second place was awarded to Claire Hoffman of Adrian and third to Kelli Renneke of Fulda.
Susie’s essay is now entered into the district contest with the possibility of competing in the state and national contests.
By Avril Susie
Why is the veteran important? This is not a hard question to answer. There are so many reasons why veterans are so influential.
Veterans are important to our nation and its history because they are a model community of men and women who are dedicated to the hard work in all that they did to defend and protect our country and our futures. They value our country: the land of the free and home of the brave.
First and foremost they endangered themselves every day, in far-away countries and lands that are unfamiliar to them. They never knew what was to come next, which is something everybody is scared of. That just shows how daring and fearless our veterans were. Whether they served in active combat or even just a support role they put themselves at high risks for mental health disorders or physical damage.
Our veterans have kept order and peace, and without those two things there would be chaos. They are selfless people who ask for very little in return. They left their families without hesitation to fight for their country, not knowing if they would ever see them again. Putting themselves in harm’s way so that people they know and don’t know stay out of harm’s way. Most of us could never imagine doing that, but they did it regardless.
Veterans come from all walks of life. Many of those veterans stepped up when our country was in need of them the most. Most of them embrace their responsibility as a veteran as a great sacrifice and honor, and it shows in all of our freedoms and opportunities we have today.
Once a year in the United States we honor their sacrifice on Veterans Day, November 11. It doesn’t matter if they served 50 years or just one. They  put their life on the line for us. All veterans should be celebrated and remembered equally. Again, they are noble people who don’t just do the job for themselves. These brave, honorable, and altruistic men and women believe in something greater than themselves.
They know that if we didn’t have their help, that others may not be free. At one time in their lives they raised their right hand and earnestly swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States and they do that with pride.
Veterans come from various walks of life. Some may be younger, some may be older, and some may be people we ignore as we walk by them on the street. It’s important to recognize and remember them. It doesn’t have to be Veterans Day for you to thank one. It is important to acknowledge and show gratitude to those who served every day.
Our veterans represent the colors on our flag: red, white and blue. Red represents hardiness and valor that they so bravely show. The veterans show hardiness because they have the ability to endure difficult conditions. Valor comes from the great courage they showed when faced with adversity. They don’t back down when things start to get tough or out of control because they are doing it for the people of the country they so proudly helped build.
The color white on our country’s flag represents purity and innocence. Veterans show purity because they defend our country without the thought of malice or evil intent. Their innocence shows because they have no intent of causing anybody harm but only intend to free us.
Lastly, the color blue on our national flag represents vigilance, justice and perseverance. If our veterans didn’t have vigilance, we wouldn’t live in our great and safe country that we have today. They have the ability to keep careful watch for possible danger or difficulties. Justice is what our vets fight for and want for us and we strive for justice for them as well. And they show perseverance by not backing down despite the situation they are faced with.
I feel that we take the precious freedoms we have for granted. We don’t consider what these brave men and women had to sacrifice. It is crucial to let them know that we are so incredibly grateful for leading our country and keeping it a safe and secure place that we can call home. Thanks to them I am free to do what I want and I have so many opportunities and chances that I can pursue.
Our veterans are a true example of bravery, excellence and true Americans. So thank you and all you do. Our country would not be the same without you.

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