American Legion Auxiliary essay contest winners

Every year, Carrington's American Legion Auxiliary sponsors an Americanism essay contest for public school students with awards and prizes going to the winners. This year's topic "What Does Freedom Mean to Me?" elicited some very thoughtful, expressive writing from our local students.

Of the groups which participated, the following students received cash prizes and award certificates for their writing: 11th grade: first place, Kendall Kovar; second place, Kaylin Pate; third place, London Davis - eighth grade: first place, Rachel Boeshans - third grade: first place,Parker Mattson; second place, Isaiah Gacho and third place, Adalee Hintz.

According to the American Legion Auxiliary, the Carrington community should be very proud of these students, as well as others, who participated in the contest. Their sincere thoughts about the meaning of freedom let us know how important they think it is in their lives. The winning essays are featured below.

What Does Freedom Mean to Me?

By Kendall Kovar

What was our country founded on? Freedom. What is our country always fighting to achieve? Freedom. For centuries our ancestors worked and worked to establish and maintain freedom for all citizens of the United States of America.

In the past, freedom meant escaping Britain, becoming equal among the races, and earning women the right to vote. In today's world, all of that has been achieved, so what freedom are we fighting for today? I believe that today we are fighting for the freedom to our own opinions. The biggest problem I think we face as a country right now is how utterly divided it is. Democrat or Republican, blue or red, pro-life or pro-abortion, and gun control or the right to bear arms; the list goes on and on. This lifestyle of division makes it incredibly hard for anyone to voice their opinions with their words actually being heard.

I believe that our right to express our opinions is a form of freedom our country is missing for a few reasons. First off, not feeling like you can voice your thoughts is essentially a violation of our right to freedom of speech. The ability to express your opinions without fear of censorship or retaliation is a cornerstone of America's democratic society. When we are free to voice our thoughts, ideas, and criticisms openly, it fosters a culture of open debate and exchange of ideas.

Second, encouraging freedom of opinion facilitates innovation and progress, which is always a goal of American society. When we are free to express our ideas and challenge existing norms, it can lead to breakthroughs in various fields, including science, technology, and the arts. By promoting an environment where creativity flourishes, our society can adapt and thrive in the face of new challenges.

Third, upholding the right to our opinions serves as a wall against dictatorship and tyranny. Defending our freedom of expression is crucial for protecting individual rights and preventing a concentration of power.

Lastly, our country is founded on the ideals of individualism, and this overlying hesitation to feel comfortable to tell the world what we think completely disembodies those ideals. Each person has their own unique experiences, beliefs, and values that shape their perspectives and opinions. Respecting individuals' rights to form and express their opinions allows them to exercise autonomy over their own thoughts and beliefs, free from hesitation.

Living in a country whose founding fathers believed in a future of lively democracy and overwhelming individualism, it is sad to see where our parties remain politically right now. The solution to this issue lies on an individual level. We must all be able to take a step back and ask ourselves if we are really listening to each other. I think our founding fathers would be proud of many things our government has established, but I think if we liberated our opinions, they would be even more proud of the country they strove to create.

What Does Freedom Mean to Me?

By Rachel Boeshans

Freedom is having choices and responsibilities that allow us to express ourselves differently.

In America, we have so many rights that make us feel safe and heard. There are many options and opinions that different people have based on their experiences. To me, freedom is self-expression, freedom of religion, and the right to assemble and speak. I can see, hear, and feel freedom all around me.

Every day we see different forms of freedom in our lives. People can express their freedom in what they wear and do with their bodies. We can make our own choices when traveling, going to school, and having jobs. When people gather peacefully in a group they believe in or support, they are exercising their right to assemble.

Another sign of freedom that I can see is all the soldiers who have fought and sacrificed themselves to make our country free.

Another way we can experience freedom is through hearing. When I go to school we say the pledge of allegiance, stating our freedom and recognizing America. Martin Luther King, Jr., stood up and gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. He had a right to say those things, it impacted many lives and the way people view human rights.

In America, we have the right to assemble in churches and groups without having to fear the government and hide our beliefs.

We can also feel freedom in our hearts and beliefs. A person who feels strongly against vaccinations, in most states should have the right to refuse vaccinations and other medicine. They can decide what they put in and on their bodies.

Freedom of the press is important as a right because it allows self-expression and opinion. You can see and read other people's beliefs in their "Letter to the Editor" which displays their feelings for a particular topic. I feel free when I don't have to

hide my beliefs and opinions and can go places without restrictions or precautions.

Whether it's through freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, or freedom of religion, all of the rights we have show that we have rights and are heard. Among all the freedoms we have, these are the ones that stand out to me in my life. I am so grateful to live in a free country.

What Does Freedom Mean To Me?

By Parker Mattson

This is what freedom means to me. Firstly, freedom is something that you can depend on for you to make your own choices.

Also, whenever I hear the word freedom I think of Martin Luther King, Jr., who demanded the freedom of all people, no matter their skin color. He sacrificed his life to share the truth.

Soldiers leave their families to go to war to fight other counties to protect our rights. They protect our right to vote, to go to school and that we can choose our own jobs.

Freedom allows us to dream big dreams and do fun things. If we did not have freedom, we would not have the rights we have right now, and I am grateful that we have freedom. People have freedom because our country did what they had to do, and that was to fight in a war, and they did it for a good reason. I thank the people that sacrificed their life for us to have freedom and peace.

Those are some reasons of what freedom means to me and how freedom started and some facts about freedom.