Head named local winner in contest

KATELYN HEAD

Local high school students were recently eligible to compete in a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Speech Contest. VFW Post 2776 of Millen sponsored the "Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition" as part of a national contest. Interested students wrote and recorded a three-to-five minute speech on "My Role in Honoring America's Veterans," and Katelyn Head was a local winner. A screening committee at the district, state and national levels will determine those winners. This is the first time Millen students have participated in the contest. "My Role in Honoring

America's Veterans"

By Katelyn Head

Since the start of the United States, soldiers have done their job by keeping this nation free and away from danger. They have voluntarily laid their lives on the line to protect their fellow citizens. They deserve our utmost respect for all that they have done and have yet to do.

When I had just begun kindergarten, my teacher immediately started teaching us "The Pledge of Allegiance." She broke it down into fragments and explained the significance and the meaning behind the words we were reading. She told how this simple pledge expresses our sincere thankfulness and gratitude to the brave and courageous veterans who selflessly risk and give their lives for our country every day. I couldn't think of a better way to honor the vet- erans of the United States of America than by reciting this simple, yet heartfelt pledge to the heroes of this country.

"I pledge allegiance ..." A pledge is a promise, an oath of loyalty, a statement that a person makes to show his commitment. Allegiance is a duty of fidelity said to be owed by a citizen to his country. When you speak these words, you are saying that you promise to be devoted and committed to your country by doing all that you can for it.

"To the flag of the United States of America ..." The first known American flag was said to be sewn by Betsy Ross. The flag displayed 13 red stripes and 13 white stars, which represented the State of the Union. As the country grew, more stars were added to the flag. There are now 50 states, 50 individual communities that are united by this national flag and by the love for our country.

"And to the republic, for which it stands ..."We are a republic, a democratic republic, which is based on the will of the people, whose decisions effect the choices that are made and how the government is run."

"One nation under God ..." this country was founded by people who were seeking religious freedom. All that this country has become, and all that it has achieved, was in the will of God, and has been allowed to happen. The Bible says in Ezekiel, "I will make them one nation, and they will have one God."

"Indivisible ..." The terrorist attack that took place on Sept. 11, 2001 was intended to tear our country apart, but instead it made it come together. It was supposed to make us weak, but it made us stronger. We are a country that is unable to be divided, unable to be split apart.

"With liberty and justice for all…" When we declared independence from England on July 4, 1776, free will and fairness were put into act. It was allotted, not to just certain people, but to all who make up the nation.

When we stand at salute, with our right hands over our hearts, whether at school or a hometown football game, this is a way for all Americans, for our country as a whole, to reflect on this great nation and honor those who make it possible. God bless the veterans of the United States! God bless America!