By Dr. Ann Hollingsworth
Each year the VFW has a patriotic essay contest in the fall for students in grades six through twelve. As the theme for this year’s contest centers around Veterans, during the month of November, some of these essays will be shared in this column. Our first essay is by Zachary Bankston. Zachary wrote the following:
My father and grandfather are both Veterans that served in the Army and Air Force for over 60 years between the two. They both spent time in Iraq before they retired from the military. I respect them for their service and all the time that they sacrificed away from our family and friends while putting their lives in danger. I will not forget their sacrifices to the country that we live in. My pledge to our Veterans is to honor all that have served and not forget all of the sacrifices that the great Veterans of this country have made.
Veterans sacrifice time away from their loved ones so we can enjoy the time we have with our loved ones. Sometimes Veterans put themselves in danger to help protect other people. After leaving the service, many Veterans have mental and physical problems they have to deal with from day to day. Other Veterans have even lost their lives to protect the people of this great country, and their families deserve support and respect.
Even though Veterans are only recognized one day of the year, we can still remember them for their gifts to this great country. That is why it is important to stand for the National Anthem to show our respect and remember all the Veterans that helped this country. It is also important that we tell our Veterans thank you for your service to help recognize them for what they have done.
Veterans are inspiring to anyone and everyone around the world including myself and many others. When we call all veteran service members heroes, we are calling them exceptional, which they will always be. It is important to honor the Veterans that have served by not forgetting everything that the Veterans of our country have done for us.
