“What do you think it means to be an American”
~ Commemorating 250 years of Our Freedom ~
John Vilanj (President E.T. Historical Society) Bailey Adcock (Winner), Pete Kesselhon (Creator), Murray Mitten (American Legion)
Bailey Adcock, a sophomore, from our high school won the local essay contest sponsored by the East Troy Area Historical Society and the American Legion.
A $250 cash award was presented to her at the American Legion’s Memorial Day service. Bailey was given the privilege to read her essay to the public during the service. We thank the American Legion, and we congratulate Bailey for having the courage and poise to read her essay.
Bailey’s Essay
Being an American is truly one of the greatest gifts we can have. A lot of the time in today’s world, I don’t think people realize how lucky we are to have the freedom we do.To be an American, it’s important to remember the blood, sweat, and tears that went into the free will we have today. Without those Americans from hundreds of years ago fighting for a chance at choices, new governments, new land, and freedom, Lord knows we wouldn’t have what we do today. People took chances, risked their lives, put forward new ideas, just so people today could have amazing opportunities.
So, what does it mean to be an American? It means not just to remember how we got here, but believe in it yourself, and work for the country to make it a better place for future generations. Americans believe in opportunities and hard work that make America what it is today, because at the end of the day, it’s not about politics, Democrat, or Republican, it’s about knowing right and wrong, and always doing the best you can. Americans haven’t always made the right choices within the past and present, but we always try to protect and improve what we have because it is important to us. Truly, that’s why we do anything in life, because we care enough about it to protect it and make it better.
When you ask someone this question, the typical answer is one word, freedom, but what really is freedom? Freedom to choose when you want to go to the store? No, it’s the freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, the right to vote, the freedom of thought and speech, to live in a democracy, and so much more talked about in the Bill of Rights. People who truly understand where they have come from, respect the people who we have chosen as a nation to lead us, and who are proud to be here, are the backbone of our country. In the end, you can live in America and love it or hate it, but always respect where you came from, thank those who fought for you in battle, and always stand for the flag.
