Honor Your Veterans

A sk any third grade boy how many types of guns they know, and you'll get an impressive list. Broaden the category to war weapons, and you'll also be amazed. But ask them how many war heroes they have heard of, and you'll probably get a blank stare. And it will shock you that while war and weaponry are "cool" to them, they have no respect for the people that voluntarily man, dodge, and risk getting hit by these weapons on a battlefield halfway around the world, protecting us from the danger they face each day.

For starters, we Americans are virtually immune to the war. We have had this "immunity" since the Civil War was over, and with the exceptions of 9/11 and Pearl Harbor, have been un-bombed and un-attacked. More importantly, if you are not currently enslaved, paying British taxes, or in a concentration camp, it is because of these people. Also, these soldiers often need to speak another language for their work. If they don't then the war is far too close to home.

WAKE UP, AMERICA! We are an independent nation, elect our own leaders, and are not plagued by terrorist attacks! We should not hold off thanking these people until the war is at our doorstep! We are a Democracy! Our cities are intact! We do not come in contact with war because they keep it away from here!

In a nutshell, honor your veterans, America. Sit back and relish the absence of the sound of bombs and gunfire.

This Year's Contest

The theme of this year's American Legion Auxiliary Essay Contest is: "How Can I Encourage My Friends To Show Pride In Being An American?"

Deadline: April 1, 2011