OSMOND — Winners in the American Legion Auxiliary essay contest have shared those essays, which will be printed here as space permits. The following is from the first-place winner in fifth and sixth grades — Bennett Aschoff.
————— “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and the Veterans who fought for our Freedom” Veterans, I want to say thank you for making America my home. Yes, I know that “thank you” isn’t enough for all the sacrifices that you’ve made, but it’s all I can give.
Around this time of the year I feel a bit selfish because I feel warm, cozy, and safe. Who gave me that feeling of comfort? You!
All of you gave me a sense of how this is my home and that I’m protected by the most brave, fearless and kind men and women. So again, I say, “thank you,” for everything and for a home to call my own.
If I put myself in the veterans’ shoes, I'd be terrified. Even if the world depended on it. I wouldn’t be brave enough to fight. These veterans in front of us are fearless. They went into battle and knew what they were sacrificing.
I could not do that! I could not face the fire, the guns, the chances!
What if I come back and the ones I love are gone? I’d be devastated!
They knew the danger and the pain and all the things that they might lose. I want to ask for a round of applause because I bet we all couldn’t do what they did.
If I could ask veterans some questions, one might be, “What made you risk your life, your family, your dreams to serve our nation?” Another might be, “What got you through all the pain, the terror, the gun-fire, the echo that you might lose your life?” A third question would be, “Is it important to you to fight for democracy around the world to help others experience freedom?”
