The America I
believe by Kinley Wilson of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma
Rifle volleys
at VA national cemetery inspire student to pen essay on
“The America I believe
in”
P.S.
We
in this country and around "Mother Earth"
Can
learn a lot from
Mr. Kinley Wilson!
Every year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars
which “encourages young minds to
examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American
society.”
This year’s Patriot’s Pen essay contest asked students to write about
“the America I believe in.”
For eighth grader Kinley Wilson, the sounds of rifle
volleys from VA’s
Fort Gibson National Cemetery inspired an essay
on the service and sacrifice of America’s Veterans. Wilson’s family lives near
Fort Gibson.
“When I hear the rifle volleys echoing from the National Cemetery,
I think of the heroes who served for duty, honor and country,”
he wrote.
Below is
Wilson’s full essay.
Two hundred
forty years ago our country declared its independence. Our forefathers built
this nation on the principles that all men are created equal and that each
citizen should enjoy the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness. From the Battle of Lexington to Operation Iraqi Freedom, men and
women have been willing to sacrifice their lives to protect and defend these
rights. These men and women are true American heroes. The America I believe in
honors these heroes and respects the rights and privileges we enjoy.
Nearly every
day gunfire rings out near my house. Typically, these sounds would cause people
to be afraid, but not in my neighborhood. You see, I live a short distance from
a National Cemetery. The three rifle volleys are part of the burial ceremony
honoring veterans at the cemetery. The three empty bullets from the volley
represent what motivates the true American soldier: duty, honor, and country.
When I hear the gunfire or see the rows and rows of white headstones, it is a
reminder of the sacrifices so many have made for this country. I am thankful
and proud that my America remembers and appreciates its fallen patriots.
The America I
believe in not only honors it veterans, but also cherishes the privileges and
rights our military defends. As Americans we enjoy many amazing freedoms. We
have the freedom to speak our minds, to practice the religion we choose, and to
vote for our leaders. These rights should be respected and never taken for
granted. To demonstrate our appreciation for these freedoms, citizens of the
America I believe in honor the American flag, respectfully stand when the
National Anthem is played, and proudly recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
I am thankful
for the soldiers who are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect America.
These brave men and women deserve the praise and recognition they receive. When
I hear the rifle volleys echoing from the National Cemetery, I think of the
heroes who served for duty, honor, and country. Many paid the ultimate price to
protect the freedoms all Americans enjoy. In turn, respectful citizens show
genuine gratitude for those freedoms when they truly honor America. That is the
America I believe in.
