Voice of Democracy Essay
Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy essay program is provided by the VFW to high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed essay. Each year, nearly 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy essay program is provided by the VFW to high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed essay. Each year, nearly 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
Coryn Meyers
What are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?
In order to understand the many great attributes of our democracy, it is important to start with a
basic definition of the word. Therefore, we come up with the question: What is democracy?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, democracy is a “government by the people”, but
how can we as a society truly define it? How can we develop a definition for democracy that
perfectly adheres to us personally? The answer is that we define democracy with our daily lives.
All of the decisions we make on a daily basis are democratic, and it is important to recognize that
freedom. Thus, the greatest attributes of our democracy are the ability for us to make choices, the
fact that we are able to question those in power, and the commitment of the government to
operate with transparency and accountability.
When it comes to our personal lives, we always have a choice. We can choose what clothes to
wear, what school we go to, and what our personal values are. However, this is not just limited to
our daily lives. The freedom of choice extends to the way our government is run. According to
the first Amendment which states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of
religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the
press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a
redress of grievances,” the government does not have the right to infringe on our choices of
religion, speech, and assembly. We can choose to elect officials based on their values, and we can
choose to remove them if those values change. We can choose to speak out about something that
is bothering us, or we can choose to remain silent. We exercise our right to choose how we feel
and act about any specific topic, and no one can tell us we have to feel or behave a different way,
of course while remaining within lawful standards. The choices we make are what this country is
built on, and the fact that they are upheld with dignity and honor is what contributes to this great
democracy.
The ability for us to question our leaders is another great aspect of our democracy. We are
encouraged to use our voice and speak out against actions or ideas that we do not agree with,
even those of the great leaders of our country. The President of the United States, no matter who
it is, will always be receiving the criticism of those who disagree with him or her, which allows
them to become an even better leader. The opportunity to question or completely go against our
leaders to a certain extent allows for an open mindset of growth and improvement. If that was not
the case, leaders might stay within their own thinking, oblivious to others’ opinions, and the
country would not be a place of rapid improvement where there are constantly new ideas and
solutions being presented.
We as a country are always in the know when it comes to what is going on behind the scenes of
our government. Our leaders are constantly updating the general public when it comes to
developing events, new legislation, or just daily happenings. In the White House, there are daily
meetings between the Press Secretary and news outlets who then relay that information to the
citizens. This allows for transparency between the government and the people and it allows for
the people to keep the government accountable. If those in power make a mistake, we the people
will know about it and hold leaders to a very high standard. The government makes this
commitment to transparency and accountability because those in power understand that it is
important to keep citizens educated, rather than sweeping things under the rug. This allows for
increased productivity where people can be educated in what is happening and provide opinions
or solutions to help the country.
The United States of America is a great nation, and our democracy has held up for almost 250
years. It is a place of brisk technological advancement, economic development, and opportunity.
America, however, can not be limited to those three things. The success of America lies on the
backs of the people who commit to making our country a better place. They show this
commitment by promoting attributes of democracy such as free-thinking, upholding our ability
to question our leadership, and championing a government that functions with clarity and
transparency. What we choose to do with these specific attributes allows us to further develop
what democracy truly means to us as individuals and as a nation.
In order to understand the many great attributes of our democracy, it is important to start with a
basic definition of the word. Therefore, we come up with the question: What is democracy?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, democracy is a “government by the people”, but
how can we as a society truly define it? How can we develop a definition for democracy that
perfectly adheres to us personally? The answer is that we define democracy with our daily lives.
All of the decisions we make on a daily basis are democratic, and it is important to recognize that
freedom. Thus, the greatest attributes of our democracy are the ability for us to make choices, the
fact that we are able to question those in power, and the commitment of the government to
operate with transparency and accountability.
When it comes to our personal lives, we always have a choice. We can choose what clothes to
wear, what school we go to, and what our personal values are. However, this is not just limited to
our daily lives. The freedom of choice extends to the way our government is run. According to
the first Amendment which states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of
religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the
press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a
redress of grievances,” the government does not have the right to infringe on our choices of
religion, speech, and assembly. We can choose to elect officials based on their values, and we can
choose to remove them if those values change. We can choose to speak out about something that
is bothering us, or we can choose to remain silent. We exercise our right to choose how we feel
and act about any specific topic, and no one can tell us we have to feel or behave a different way,
of course while remaining within lawful standards. The choices we make are what this country is
built on, and the fact that they are upheld with dignity and honor is what contributes to this great
democracy.
The ability for us to question our leaders is another great aspect of our democracy. We are
encouraged to use our voice and speak out against actions or ideas that we do not agree with,
even those of the great leaders of our country. The President of the United States, no matter who
it is, will always be receiving the criticism of those who disagree with him or her, which allows
them to become an even better leader. The opportunity to question or completely go against our
leaders to a certain extent allows for an open mindset of growth and improvement. If that was not
the case, leaders might stay within their own thinking, oblivious to others’ opinions, and the
country would not be a place of rapid improvement where there are constantly new ideas and
solutions being presented.
We as a country are always in the know when it comes to what is going on behind the scenes of
our government. Our leaders are constantly updating the general public when it comes to
developing events, new legislation, or just daily happenings. In the White House, there are daily
meetings between the Press Secretary and news outlets who then relay that information to the
citizens. This allows for transparency between the government and the people and it allows for
the people to keep the government accountable. If those in power make a mistake, we the people
will know about it and hold leaders to a very high standard. The government makes this
commitment to transparency and accountability because those in power understand that it is
important to keep citizens educated, rather than sweeping things under the rug. This allows for
increased productivity where people can be educated in what is happening and provide opinions
or solutions to help the country.
The United States of America is a great nation, and our democracy has held up for almost 250
years. It is a place of brisk technological advancement, economic development, and opportunity.
America, however, can not be limited to those three things. The success of America lies on the
backs of the people who commit to making our country a better place. They show this
commitment by promoting attributes of democracy such as free-thinking, upholding our ability
to question our leadership, and championing a government that functions with clarity and
transparency. What we choose to do with these specific attributes allows us to further develop
what democracy truly means to us as individuals and as a nation.
Patriot's Pen Essay Winners
Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition encourages 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students to use their minds and knowledge of America’s history and their experience of today’s American society to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. We invite you to join more than 120,000 students who participated last year in this contests.
Patriot’s Pen gives 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students the opportunity to express their opinion on a patriotic theme and improve their writing skills, while they compete for awards and prizes. The awards from all levels of the competition total $1.2 million each year. The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this program on their National Advisory List of Contests for participation. The theme for the Annual VFW Patriot’s Pen Essay is "What is Patriotism To Me."
Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition encourages 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students to use their minds and knowledge of America’s history and their experience of today’s American society to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. We invite you to join more than 120,000 students who participated last year in this contests.
Patriot’s Pen gives 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students the opportunity to express their opinion on a patriotic theme and improve their writing skills, while they compete for awards and prizes. The awards from all levels of the competition total $1.2 million each year. The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this program on their National Advisory List of Contests for participation. The theme for the Annual VFW Patriot’s Pen Essay is "What is Patriotism To Me."
Emma Cavanaugh
America is the land of the free, the home of the brave, and the country where everyone
is equal. Since 1787, when the Constitution was signed, Americans have been editing their
country so all voices can be heard. In 1920, women were able to vote after countless years of
fighting. In 1791, the Bill of Rights was ratified to include the first amendment, allowing reporters
to freely speak on all information. With each generation, our country continues to change and
evolve, and that is what inspires me.
Americans have not stopped revising the United States. The Constitution has continually
changed over the 247 years of our democracy. We have come together 27 times to create
changes that have moved America forward. By amending the Constitution, we are bettering our
lives and the lives of future Americans. We make sure to continuously change the American
political landscape by giving leaders limited terms. Members of the House of Representatives
have a two year term, the President has a four year term, and Senators retain six year terms.
This allows for different voices to be heard through the ever changing leaders of our country.
After tireless efforts from women’s rights activists, the 19th amendment was ratified,
allowing women the right to vote. This was a first step for women’s rights, opening up many
opportunities. Women and girls in the United States are able to get an education, which is a
right millions of women around the world don’t have. I value this opportunity because it allows
me to get an education which will help to pave the path for a successful career.
Lastly, America allows for the freedom of the press. Journalists are able to freely report
on issues impacting our society. This is important to our democracy because it allows the public
to understand the challenges facing our country. The press allows for people to learn about
candidates running for political office, enabling the public to make the best choice for who leads
our democracy. As a student and aspiring journalist, I admire the men and women who look for
and report the truth.
The United States has structured itself in a way that allows for the country to evolve over
time, gives equal rights to women, and enables the press to freely report within our borders. For
these reasons, and many others, America continues to inspire me.
America is the land of the free, the home of the brave, and the country where everyone
is equal. Since 1787, when the Constitution was signed, Americans have been editing their
country so all voices can be heard. In 1920, women were able to vote after countless years of
fighting. In 1791, the Bill of Rights was ratified to include the first amendment, allowing reporters
to freely speak on all information. With each generation, our country continues to change and
evolve, and that is what inspires me.
Americans have not stopped revising the United States. The Constitution has continually
changed over the 247 years of our democracy. We have come together 27 times to create
changes that have moved America forward. By amending the Constitution, we are bettering our
lives and the lives of future Americans. We make sure to continuously change the American
political landscape by giving leaders limited terms. Members of the House of Representatives
have a two year term, the President has a four year term, and Senators retain six year terms.
This allows for different voices to be heard through the ever changing leaders of our country.
After tireless efforts from women’s rights activists, the 19th amendment was ratified,
allowing women the right to vote. This was a first step for women’s rights, opening up many
opportunities. Women and girls in the United States are able to get an education, which is a
right millions of women around the world don’t have. I value this opportunity because it allows
me to get an education which will help to pave the path for a successful career.
Lastly, America allows for the freedom of the press. Journalists are able to freely report
on issues impacting our society. This is important to our democracy because it allows the public
to understand the challenges facing our country. The press allows for people to learn about
candidates running for political office, enabling the public to make the best choice for who leads
our democracy. As a student and aspiring journalist, I admire the men and women who look for
and report the truth.
The United States has structured itself in a way that allows for the country to evolve over
time, gives equal rights to women, and enables the press to freely report within our borders. For
these reasons, and many others, America continues to inspire me.
is equal. Since 1787, when the Constitution was signed, Americans have been editing their
country so all voices can be heard. In 1920, women were able to vote after countless years of
fighting. In 1791, the Bill of Rights was ratified to include the first amendment, allowing reporters
to freely speak on all information. With each generation, our country continues to change and
evolve, and that is what inspires me.
Americans have not stopped revising the United States. The Constitution has continually
changed over the 247 years of our democracy. We have come together 27 times to create
changes that have moved America forward. By amending the Constitution, we are bettering our
lives and the lives of future Americans. We make sure to continuously change the American
political landscape by giving leaders limited terms. Members of the House of Representatives
have a two year term, the President has a four year term, and Senators retain six year terms.
This allows for different voices to be heard through the ever changing leaders of our country.
After tireless efforts from women’s rights activists, the 19th amendment was ratified,
allowing women the right to vote. This was a first step for women’s rights, opening up many
opportunities. Women and girls in the United States are able to get an education, which is a
right millions of women around the world don’t have. I value this opportunity because it allows
me to get an education which will help to pave the path for a successful career.
Lastly, America allows for the freedom of the press. Journalists are able to freely report
on issues impacting our society. This is important to our democracy because it allows the public
to understand the challenges facing our country. The press allows for people to learn about
candidates running for political office, enabling the public to make the best choice for who leads
our democracy. As a student and aspiring journalist, I admire the men and women who look for
and report the truth.
The United States has structured itself in a way that allows for the country to evolve over
time, gives equal rights to women, and enables the press to freely report within our borders. For
these reasons, and many others, America continues to inspire me.
America is the land of the free, the home of the brave, and the country where everyone
is equal. Since 1787, when the Constitution was signed, Americans have been editing their
country so all voices can be heard. In 1920, women were able to vote after countless years of
fighting. In 1791, the Bill of Rights was ratified to include the first amendment, allowing reporters
to freely speak on all information. With each generation, our country continues to change and
evolve, and that is what inspires me.
Americans have not stopped revising the United States. The Constitution has continually
changed over the 247 years of our democracy. We have come together 27 times to create
changes that have moved America forward. By amending the Constitution, we are bettering our
lives and the lives of future Americans. We make sure to continuously change the American
political landscape by giving leaders limited terms. Members of the House of Representatives
have a two year term, the President has a four year term, and Senators retain six year terms.
This allows for different voices to be heard through the ever changing leaders of our country.
After tireless efforts from women’s rights activists, the 19th amendment was ratified,
allowing women the right to vote. This was a first step for women’s rights, opening up many
opportunities. Women and girls in the United States are able to get an education, which is a
right millions of women around the world don’t have. I value this opportunity because it allows
me to get an education which will help to pave the path for a successful career.
Lastly, America allows for the freedom of the press. Journalists are able to freely report
on issues impacting our society. This is important to our democracy because it allows the public
to understand the challenges facing our country. The press allows for people to learn about
candidates running for political office, enabling the public to make the best choice for who leads
our democracy. As a student and aspiring journalist, I admire the men and women who look for
and report the truth.
The United States has structured itself in a way that allows for the country to evolve over
time, gives equal rights to women, and enables the press to freely report within our borders. For
these reasons, and many others, America continues to inspire me.
Ryan Gao
My America
I am inspired by America. One reason is all the positive energy in the air, another is the energy always pushing people to be the best version of themselves and to overachieve. Then, these overachievers share the inspiration to new people. The entire country gets the feeling of inspiration and positivity surrounding them.
Inspiration from America is powerful. I feel the positive energy everywhere, from the shores off the coast to the central cities, to the forests on the other end of the country. Positive energy flows through all 3.5 hundred thousand square miles and makes everyone in those 3.5 hundred thousand inhale the energy. This is because everybody tries to do the best they can, setting the standard rather high, also with the wide area of knowledge people can journey to higher places and rise above to new challenges along the way.
The inspiration rope is a strong and sturdy one. Being used for hundreds of years, everyone grabs on and pulls each other up to new heights. By grabbing onto the rope, people vow to do the best they can, and set off to further heights, leaving the World far behind. Believe in the rope people say. Thriving communities, race to help people up, to be their best self, and to achieve goals set when meeting the previous mountain. This is how America achieves what other countries dream of, and how a simple act of inspiration, a single tug, can turn out to be a life-saving dream.
They say, “human life is as independent as a wave on the ocean” So people think they are riding on waves because the tide keeps on rising. People keep on rising with ideas, and inspiration. “Whoosh,” the water rushes up. “The ocean waves lifted its arm to touch the shore.” This is how America gives everyone a helping hand. As they keep on gaining water, others are getting farther and farther. This is like how America inspires me. It drags everyone up together with ideas and inspiration. Just like the rope, it drags us up and refreshes our culture.
Even though America inspires me in many ways, these reasons are those that are highlighted in my mind. This is what America inspires me to become, and how America inspires me.
I am inspired by America. One reason is all the positive energy in the air, another is the energy always pushing people to be the best version of themselves and to overachieve. Then, these overachievers share the inspiration to new people. The entire country gets the feeling of inspiration and positivity surrounding them.
Inspiration from America is powerful. I feel the positive energy everywhere, from the shores off the coast to the central cities, to the forests on the other end of the country. Positive energy flows through all 3.5 hundred thousand square miles and makes everyone in those 3.5 hundred thousand inhale the energy. This is because everybody tries to do the best they can, setting the standard rather high, also with the wide area of knowledge people can journey to higher places and rise above to new challenges along the way.
The inspiration rope is a strong and sturdy one. Being used for hundreds of years, everyone grabs on and pulls each other up to new heights. By grabbing onto the rope, people vow to do the best they can, and set off to further heights, leaving the World far behind. Believe in the rope people say. Thriving communities, race to help people up, to be their best self, and to achieve goals set when meeting the previous mountain. This is how America achieves what other countries dream of, and how a simple act of inspiration, a single tug, can turn out to be a life-saving dream.
They say, “human life is as independent as a wave on the ocean” So people think they are riding on waves because the tide keeps on rising. People keep on rising with ideas, and inspiration. “Whoosh,” the water rushes up. “The ocean waves lifted its arm to touch the shore.” This is how America gives everyone a helping hand. As they keep on gaining water, others are getting farther and farther. This is like how America inspires me. It drags everyone up together with ideas and inspiration. Just like the rope, it drags us up and refreshes our culture.
Even though America inspires me in many ways, these reasons are those that are highlighted in my mind. This is what America inspires me to become, and how America inspires me.
Simeon Friedman
America is very inspiring, especially to those who live the American dream. Even people
of different nationalities can live the American dream. That is possible for them because of the
amazing first responders that keep us safe and the fact that they live in a place where people
can express their opinion. That is what inspires me about our great country. In this essay, you
will learn more about why I think America is very inspiring.
First, we will talk about the diversity of America. The diversity of America allows people
from different races and even from different countries to come here for the American dream.
However, it was not always like that. Before July 2, 1964, people who did not have white skin
might have been forced to do hard labor for which they didn't even get paid. Another example is
on November 9, 1994, the voters of California passed Proposition 187, which denied services
like public education and emergency services to illegal immigrants. But then, in March 1998, a
California judge ruled that Proposition 187 was unconstitutional and created a more fair society.
Now, let’s talk about the first responders that keep us safe. There are three main kinds of
first responders: firefighters, police officers and healthcare workers. People who want to become
police officers can apply and, if selected, go to a training academy to learn how to do the job. It
is the same with the New York City Fire Department. By contrast, people can volunteer to work
for organizations like the American Red Cross. On the tragic day of 9/11, tons of first responders
including firefighters, police officers, doctors, EMTs, Coast Guard, Port Authority police officers
and others, like current and retired soldiers who fought for our country in other places, rushed to
help people in danger here. Some were even volunteers that heroically risked their lives for
others.
I’m also proud that, in America, you can express your opinion with little to no
consequence. In some other places, people can lose their freedom or their lives just for
expressing their opinions. But thankfully, that is only in a few countries like North Korea and
more.
To sum it up, there are a lot of reasons that America inspires me like our diversity, our
brave first responders and the ability to freely express yourself.
of different nationalities can live the American dream. That is possible for them because of the
amazing first responders that keep us safe and the fact that they live in a place where people
can express their opinion. That is what inspires me about our great country. In this essay, you
will learn more about why I think America is very inspiring.
First, we will talk about the diversity of America. The diversity of America allows people
from different races and even from different countries to come here for the American dream.
However, it was not always like that. Before July 2, 1964, people who did not have white skin
might have been forced to do hard labor for which they didn't even get paid. Another example is
on November 9, 1994, the voters of California passed Proposition 187, which denied services
like public education and emergency services to illegal immigrants. But then, in March 1998, a
California judge ruled that Proposition 187 was unconstitutional and created a more fair society.
Now, let’s talk about the first responders that keep us safe. There are three main kinds of
first responders: firefighters, police officers and healthcare workers. People who want to become
police officers can apply and, if selected, go to a training academy to learn how to do the job. It
is the same with the New York City Fire Department. By contrast, people can volunteer to work
for organizations like the American Red Cross. On the tragic day of 9/11, tons of first responders
including firefighters, police officers, doctors, EMTs, Coast Guard, Port Authority police officers
and others, like current and retired soldiers who fought for our country in other places, rushed to
help people in danger here. Some were even volunteers that heroically risked their lives for
others.
I’m also proud that, in America, you can express your opinion with little to no
consequence. In some other places, people can lose their freedom or their lives just for
expressing their opinions. But thankfully, that is only in a few countries like North Korea and
more.
To sum it up, there are a lot of reasons that America inspires me like our diversity, our
brave first responders and the ability to freely express yourself.