Each year more than 125,0 students in grades 6 8 enter the vfw’s patriot’s pen youth essay contest. the first place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $50,0, with each first place state winner receiving a minimum of $500 at the national level. The national first place winner wins $5,0 and an all expense paid trip to washington, d.c. The essay contest encourages young minds to examine america’s history, along with their own experiences in modern american society, by drafting a 300 to 400 word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the vfw commander in chief. His essay on the 2014 15 theme, why i appreciate america's veterans, won him a $5,0 award. ethan was sponsored by vfw post 92 and its auxiliary in new kensington, pa. The hartford courant congratulates the students who participated in the 2005 annual veterans day poster/essay contest. The contest, sponsored in partnership with the ct veterans day parade committee, invites 6th, 7th and 8th graders in greater hartford to convey, in words and pictures, what it means to be a military veteran.

what it means to be a veteran by steven apicello vernon center middle school 2005 runner up what is a veteran? is it a soldier, a person in the air force, someone fighting in the marines? that's not what they are to me. They are freedom fighters, answering the call of duty, responding to our prayers, and most importantly that they help fight for our country, the united states of america. In our union, we fought with 2,213,363 service members against 600,0 1,500,0 confederate soldiers. We pledged every day to our flag, prayed for them, and saluted those who had saved other's lives by giving up theirs.

When francis scott key wrote the star spangled banner almost two hundred years ago, he called america the land of the free and the home of the brave. Throughout our history american soldiers, marines, air force, and coastguards have bravely answered to defend for our freedom and rights. That is why we as americans should respect our veterans and thank them for what they have done for all of us, and that is why president dwight d. Eisenhower, do hereby call upon all citizens to observe thursday, november 11th as veteran's day. On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, on foreign shores to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that there efforts shall not be in vain. However i would like to thank my papa and remember my papa nick for their years of service to our country. Thank you! what it means to be a veteran by ashley enns canton intermediate school 2005 runner up what it means to be a veteran is to feel the duty to protect our country and to fight for what you believe in.

What it means to be a veteran is to risk your life to help others heal when they could not do it on their own. what it means to be a veteran by ashley pinero and ada sierra pulaski middle school, new britain to me a veteran is someone who loves this country very much. A veteran must love their country in order to leave her or his family for freedom. To be brave is to stand up, and face your enemy for freedom, protecting your country out of danger, and living in peace. A veteran has to be very proud of what they are doing for our country and for us. But, those people who are now joining the military, and our veterans, they are protecting our country from harm. What being a veteran means to me is to die for this country, to not want this country to be ruled by bad people, and to always protect it.

Because if you don't love this country, why would you fight for it? veterans fight for this country because they love it. what it means to be a veteran by darianna gonzalez pulaski middle school, new britain being a veteran means leaving your family. When veterans leave their family they become very sad because they will miss them. Veterans, sometimes lose their arms and their legs, and are never the same as they were before. what it means to be a veteran by geround kelley pulaski middle school, new britain i think we all have a lot to thank veterans for. If it had not been for these veterans defending citizens of the united states in past wars, we may not be free right now.

These men and women dedicated their lives to our freedom, and this took a great deal of bravery and sacrifice. Many veterans even died, and i have seen on the news where many more are still dying, and families are losing their loved ones. It is very sad that thee people lost their lives, but they knew the risks and felt it was their duty and honor to fight on our behalf. My definition of a veteran is any man or woman who fought in a war and served for our country. Some people only honor those veterans who have passed on, but i believe all veterans deserve special thanks and recognition. Veterans' day is the day the united states sets aside for this purpose however, i believe we should all try to honor veterans as often and as much as we can. If only he was alive today, he could help me write this essay and explain to me how he served our country.