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 ninth and tenth grades — Evynn Kumm.
—————
Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and the Veterans Who Fought for Our Freedom
You may ask yourself, “Why has America made it through so many years of trials and tribulations?” You may have heard stories of war, sacrifice, fear, and defeat; 9/11, Pearl Harbor, Civil War, The Great Depression, and pandemics have all put doubt in the hearts of America’s citizens. Through all of this pain, how are we still holding strong, and how have we made it to the 250th anniversary?
Our veterans play a huge part in this answer. From the beginning, they have put their lives on the line to grant freedom to their country and its people. Through fear and pain, they rewarded us with this very thing. Freedom to go where you want, see what you can, and be involved in whatever makes you happy, is given to you by these brave men and women. We should always have a place in our hearts for our appreciation to them, because without their sacrifice, we could only dream of the freedom that we are graciously given.
From the moment that we became independent on July 4, 1776, to this new year in 2026, forces have been fighting continuously for one main goal: freedom. Freedom is a blessing, a thing that none of us could take
for granted. Freedom is the first thing authorized in the Bill of Rights, the first thing granted to every American citizen. Though freedom is so easily given to us, freedom wasn’t so easy to originally obtain.
During the American Revolutionary War, America went through severe loss. Loss of property, foreign trade, supplies, and more crucially, people who fought in our honor. Through the Great Depression, America faced poverty, malnutrition, unemployment, and bank failures.
When the attack on Pearl Harbor rang out, America lost 2,400 people and much of its Pacific Fleet. When two planes crashed into New York's twin towers, 400,000 Americans faced toxic contaminants, physical injury, and emotionally draining stress and fear. Through all of the pain and suffering, America still fought.
So, in conclusion, we should always remember the trials that America has gone through. We should never forget the people who saw so much destruction and pain, but continued to fight for people they didn't even know. We should always be appreciative of the sacrifices that not only our veterans have made, but also everyday citizens.
America’s hardships, though painful and scary, have made us into the strong and protected country that we all know today. Always keep the reasons for freedom in your hearts and your mind, because without the people that have fought and continue to fight for it, who knows where we would be today. Never take your freedom for granted, and
always remember the hardships that were faced to earn it.
