2011 STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST

Co-Sponsored by: The Navy League of the United States Hartford Council AND The State of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs

to encourage 6th, 7th and 8th graders to learn more about the heroism and importance of American servicemen and women throughout our nation's history.

These three finalists will read their winning essays
on Wednesday, November 2 at 4 p.m.
in the State Capitol Building's Hall of Flags.
Free admission. All Welcome.

First Place Winner 2011
SHAYNA MORGAN GOLDBERG of STAMFORD

8^th grader at Turn of River Middle School

"Why Should We Honor Veterans?"

 "When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep?" Honoring veterans has always been a tradition for our country. It is our way to say 'thank you' to the brave men and woman who put their lives on the line to allow us to live safely in a free nation. Veterans sacrifice their own lives and time at home for us, strangers, and for this country. They are most deserving of honor, sincere thanks and recognition. Hence, our gratitude should not "sleep," but, rather, should thrive, like the Liberty Tree, defended by our Veterans.

Imagine missing your child's birth or spending Christmas across the seas. Imagine risking your life daily just so a person you have never met before can sleep at night. Imagine doing this by choice, fighting for a cause, and sacrificing your own desires. These are the sacrifices our veterans made for our nation. The least we can do is recognize their courage in doing so.

We sometimes take for granted all we are able to do and how we are able to live. We do not always take a step back, examine the big picture and see why we can live so freely. If we did, we would see the selfless people who go out and fight for our freedom on a daily basis. They put their own lives on hold, missing birthdays, holidays, births and time with their loved ones to make this a better world for all of us.

These true heroes should be shown how much we appreciate their valiant efforts and sacrifices.  If they had not fought for our nation, we might not be standing here today. Without their efforts, this would not be the America we all know. We would not have the freedoms and luxuries we are accustomed to and we would not have the safety we are so lucky to possess. America would be forever altered.

We need to thank our veterans for giving us the country we are so lucky to have today. We must not just thank them for their triumphs but, also, remember and honor the losses. As they say "Freedom is never free." They all deserve our respect, admiration, gratitude and honor.  America truly is 'the land of the free' because of our brave veterans.  So the next time you enjoy the shade of a tree, think about liberty, and thank a veteran. 

Runner-Up JORDAN EARL of HAMDEN

7^th grader at Hamden Middle School

"Why Should We Honor Veterans?"

We are a nation forged from revolution, tempered by civil war, and our role defined by two world wars and other conflicts. As a country, we have always shown a willingness to fight for what we believe in. Our veterans personify those goals.

We are able to enjoy our freedoms, the safety of our homes, and the comfort of our families because veterans gave up their own safety and comfort. Everyone who participates in war is permanently scarred in some way. Those who make the ultimate sacrifice or come home badly injured become obvious heroes, but sometimes the impact of war is not so obvious. It has been said that "In war, there are no unwounded soldiers." No one who enters battle remains untouched by their experience.

Our veterans accepted the responsibility to defend America and uphold our values when duty called. The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our eternal gratitude.

Runner-Up AMELIA LEWIS of HAMDEN

7^th grader at Hamden Middle School

"Why Should We Honor Veterans?"

Veterans do so much for our country. We can all feel better knowing that there are people who care enough to become members of the Armed Services and are always there, just in case. Every letter of the word "veterans" inspires a different theme for me.

V is for how much we value veterans. They have done a service to our country that means so much to us. They value their country greatly and are willing to help it. They are extremely important in war situations and for camps in other countries. They have done such an important job one that we must recognize and value.

E is for how extraordinary veterans are. Imagine this you have a family and friends that you love very, very much and don't want to leave. But you know that your country needs you. You soon will risk everything your life, losing friends, and more. You train and train until they think you are ready. But nothing can prepare you for the battlefield. You see so many things. Isn't this extraordinary? What about that so many do?

T is to say "thank you". Thank you for upholding the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you for joining the Armed Services. Thank you for helping your country. Thank you for your patriotism. Thank you for always believing in yourself and the greater good of America. Thank you for what you have done. Thank you so much.

E is for ensuring every United States citizen's safety. Every day, we can know that we are safe and live in a country where there are people always protecting us. With great security and soldiers on the home front and overseas, we can be sure that we are safe at all times.

R is for returning veterans' work. The Veterans Association (VA) helps with health and mental issues that veterans have. The Fisher House provides free housing for veterans' families that have veterans in nearby hospitals. Over the next few months, my school is selling bracelets and collecting donations for the Fisher House. Returning veterans' work is important because it shows that people care about veterans.

A is for appreciating what veterans have done. How can we not appreciate people fighting for their country? How can we not appreciate their giving up some of their individuality for the good of the group? How can we not appreciate their protecting our safety? How can we not appreciate their choosing to serve? We must appreciate all these points and appreciate veterans.

N is for national pride. The whole United States knows, learns, and honors veterans. They should take pride in serving the nation. Veterans should be proud of what they have done.

S is for the stories veterans brought back about war. They brought stories of success and of great sacrifice. They tell stories about other soldiers.

Veterans deserve to be honored for all they have done. Each letter in "veterans" reminds of us the many reasons why.