WEBB CITY, Mo. —
Nicholas Adolphsen, First place
Grade 12, Webb City High School
Parents, Wayne and Carol Adolphsen
Teacher, Dan Schachtner
May the courage of those who have served and the sacrifice of those who die — serving our country — never be forgotten. May they always remain in our memories as we go about our daily lives. Without them it would not be possible.
From the battlefields of war, to the depths of our hearts, then to the 58,272 people inscribed on Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.; as Americans we will always stand untied in thanking our veterans with all our soul, for all paid a price, some even their lives to defend our freedoms; after all, freedom is never free. Our veterans have defended many things in their lives that make our lives much simpler. As retired servicemen, the veterans of the United States have expanded toward serving in our communities, teaching our youth, and becoming government officials.
Veterans have defended my liberty and freedom by first — education. Having a veteran as an instructor is very beneficial in many ways. When the time comes around to learn about current events, who better to teach the ways of war than one who was in a war personally? Stories are vivid and back up the knowledge just ingested, and most of all, they instruct a classroom and snag the attention of today’s youth with commanding authority.
Secondly, veterans become elected officials to lead the home of the brave with insight most wouldn’t have. John McCain followed his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, both of whom were four-star admirals. He joined the Navy and in 1967-1973 became a prisoner of war. He later became the senator of Arizona, including candidacy in the 2008 presidential election. McCain’s veteran background would have allowed for easier decision making in Iraq and Libya if he would have been elected. Veterans even volunteer in communities and organizations from the American Red Cross to Little League Baseball, helping our youth become better children and, in exchange, better adults.
Being an example for youth, service in the community, and becoming government officials takes courage. Courage: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear. One of the many honorable definitions a veteran could be entitled as. No matter how veterans are defined, they will always be an influence to my life and the life of the community through their knowledge and unforgotten strength. God bless for everything they have done and become.
Opinion
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Nicholas Adolphsen Globe File
Discussion
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