Veterans Day Essays

Patriot Pen

*Sharaeya Dickhaut—Soda

When most people hear the word patriotism, they think of waving flags on the Fourth of July or singing the national anthem before a public event.  These moments are special and they do matter.  They remind us of who we are as a nation.  However, patriotism isn’t only about big celebrations or speeches.  It’s about the small, everyday choices we make that strengthen our country.  The country we can call home. 

Personally, I think showing patriotism starts with gratitude.  Many of my close peers have served or are serving in the military, and their courage and sacrifice remind me that freedom is never free.  Even freedom comes at a cost and that is why we have to be grateful we have it.  I always make sure to thank a veteran or volunteer at a local event honoring them.  It shows my gratitude and respect which is also another way to show support for our country.  Have respect for those who have protected it and for those who continue to serve today.  

Another way I show patriotism is through community involvement.  I’ve helped organize service projects, cleaned up local parks, and participated in school service projects.  These may seem like simple acts that don’t mean as much, but each one builds a stronger relationship as a society.  A society that lives in America and its land.  Patriotism isn’t just about loving our country and its ideas, it’s about actively trying to improve it.  When we take care of our communities, we take care of our nation.

Education is another powerful, yet overlooked, form of patriotism.  Every time I study history or learn about current events, I’m becoming an informed citizen.  We can’t just love America and not have a full understanding of what it took to make America and understand what  it takes to keep a great country like America running.  Supporting our country means staying informed, voting when we’re old enough, and speaking up for what’s right while being able to listen to the opinions of others without taking offense.  Listening to other people’s opinions and views is a patriotic act.  In a world where people are quick to argue and get angry over expressing different views, listening shows respect for the diversity that defines America.  We are one nation made up of many different voices and points of view, and true patriotism means finding unity without demanding uniformity.  

Cooper Hamilton, Elayna Curry, Oaklee Hatch.

Finally, I show my love for our country by living with hope and positivity for my generation, the current generation, and future generations that will run America.  It’s easy to focus on the negative, but I choose to focus on what’s positive.  Nothing will ever be the perfect option for everybody, by America is an ongoing process ran by people who want what’s best for our people.

Patriotism isn’t a single act or a single day. It’s a lifelong process to learn, to serve, and to care.  Every time I help someone, thank a veteran, pick up trash, or simply choose kindness over judgment, I’m showing my support for this country.  Because in the end, patriotism isn’t just about loving America, it’s about believing in America.  

Cooper Hamilton—Grace

As I am now in the 8th grade I sometimes tend to forget the greatest gift that I have been given, and that is freedom.  I wake up every day and am grateful for the blessing of living in a free country.  I am showing patriotism and support for my country by reciting the pledge, celebrating the 4th of July, and treating everyone with respect and kindness.

Firstly, I show patriotism and support for my country by reciting the pledge daily.  This patriotic oath reminds us why we live in the greatest country in the world.  When reciting the pledge, I take this time to remind myself what sacrifices my ancestors and fellow veterans went through to keep the American flag swaying.  The pledge is the reason this country still stands in liberty and freedom, and I will never forget that.

Secondly, I show patriotism by celebrating the 4th of July with pride for my country.  Independence Day is the day where I look back through history and admire what our Founding Fathers were able to accomplish.  I proudly strive to treat this beloved day with appreciation and thanks to all of those who have fallen to keep this country free.  My favorite part of Independence Day is the firework display with my family when it gets dark.  Instead of purchasing wimpy and small fireworks, I try to purchase the biggest and baddest fireworks that can light up the sky.  Bigger fireworks makes me think bigger pride.

Finally, I treat everyone and I with balance and respect no matter their differences.  I strive to raise people up instead of pushing them down.  Sadly, we live in a world today where too many people are mistreated and knocked around for their appearance and beliefs.  As an 8th grader, I exceptionally have to check myself day to day to make sure I am not judging those around me.  Service is a way that I support and respect people I encounter.  Service helps me focus on helping others and allows me to forget about any differences.

I am proud of the country I live in and admire out fellow veterans and their sacrifices.  I strive to improve my support and patriotism for my country every day.  As the world gets more ridiculous, the only way I can cope with the insanity is by reciting the pledge, celebrating the 4th of July, and treating everyone with balance and respect. 

Voice of Democracy

Paizlee Hatch—Grace

Patriotism is one of the most important values a person can have.  It is the way we show love and respect for our country and appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy every day.  Some people may think patriotism is only shown through big actions like joining the military or becoming a leader, but I believe patriotism can also be shown through small, everyday actions that make a difference in our schools, neighborhoods, and communities.  As a student, I know that my daily choices and actions are how I can show my patriotism and support for my country.

One of the ways I show patriotism is by standing for the flag at school.  Every morning, when the Pledge of Allegiance is said, I place my hand over my heart and stand tall.  This daily action is not just a routine to me; it is a reminder that I live in a country where freedom is possible because of the sacrifices of so many.  The flag represents courage, sacrifice, and unity.  When we stand for the flag, we are showing and being an example of that.  By respecting the flag, I show that I am thankful for those who fought to protect our freedoms and show that I am proud to live where I live.  Even though it may only take a few seconds each morning, it is an important habit that connects me with millions of other people who feel the same respect.

Another way I show patriotism is through service.  Service is about giving back to others and helping where you can, whether it’s big or small actions.  I may not be old enough or want to serve in the military, but I can serve my community in many meaningful ways.  Service is also about kindness, like holding the door open for someone, offering a smile, or helping someone in need.  These actions might seem simple, but they strengthen relationships and help unify everyone.  I believe that serving others shows respect and shows that you care and are willing to do anything to build a relationship, unify communities, or just to help out and be a light in their life.

Respect is another key part of patriotism.  I show respect by caring for the area I live in, the people around me, and the traditions that make our country special.  Respecting the area that we live in means caring for it, keeping it safe, clean, and welcoming. Respecting others means treating them with kindness, even if they are different from me.  America is made up of people from many different backgrounds, and I believe one of the best ways to support our country is to treat everyone the same and with fairness.  Respecting my country also means learning about its history and appreciating both the struggles and successes that brought us the where we are today.  

I also believe patriotism is about being hopeful for the future.  Loving my country means believing in what it can become.  While our nation is not perfect, I am proud to be part of it, and I know that young people like me can make a difference along with others.  By working hard in school, making good choices, and staying involve din my community, I can help strengthen America’s future.  Patriotism is not only about looking back at the sacrifices of those before us, but also looking forward and being ready to continue building on what they started.  

Patriotism doe not always require large, heroic actions.  It can be found in the everyday choices we make, like standing for the flag, serving others, respecting our communities, and having pride in our country.  These are the ways I show my patriotism and support for America.  I want to thank the men and women who have sacrificed so much to give us the freedom to live this way.  I also want to thank all our teachers, my family, and my community for giving me and many others opportunities to learn how to be a better citizen and example.  When practicing these actions now, we are preparing ourselves to carry patriotism into the future, so that America can remain strong, united, and free for generations to come. 

*Konner McWilliams—Soda Springs

How do I show patriotism and support my country?  I’ve been thinking about this for weeks.  I wasn’t really sure that at my age what I personally could do to show patriotism.  I began by asking around to see what patriotism meant to different people.  I got some great answers from family and friends.  As I listened to each person, a couple of things really stuck out to me.  To show patriotism we respect the flag, support our soldiers, and show we are proud to be American.

The first thing I would like to go over is how to show respect to the flag.  My family shows respect for our flag and our country when we go to a parade.  As the flag is walked by we put our hand over our hearts and stand quietly.  We also do this when we hear the National Anthem and say the Pledge of Allegiance.  The flag is a sign of freedom.  I think we need to respect them and show respect to those who have and are fighting for our freedom.

How do we show respect to the soldiers, all those that died for all of us and those who are still fighting for freedom?  When I think of this, I think of my grandpa.  Many times I have seen my grandpa buy a meal for veterans. He also shakes their hands and thanks them for their service.  As a family we’ve written thank you cards to veterans to thank them and to remind us of the great sacrifice from the brave men and women.  Showing them our love and respect is one of the best ways I can think of to thank them. 

Another way I think about supporting our country is being proud to be an American.  My parents vote.  I’m too young to vote so there are still many ways to show I’m proud to be an American.  We sing patriotic songs and we go to the parades and are not afraid to show that we’re Americans.  We do a veterans program and sing songs about being an American.

I’m so proud to be an American.  I’ll continue to show my patriotism for this great country.  I will continue doing this by respecting the flag, for thanking our veterans for their services, and showing that I’m proud to be an American.

*Qualified for Districts