Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18
Page 19
Page 20
Page 21
Page 22
Page 23
Page 24
Page 25
Page 26
Page 27
Page 28
Page 29
Page 30
Page 31
Page 32
By YM LCpl Jonathan Gray II Upstate SC Editors Note YM Gray writes I entered the Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Competition sponsored by the VFW and its Ladies Aux- iliary. My essay was awarded 3rd place. Attached is my essay and a picture of me receiving my award. VETERAN.. What do you see or think of when I say this word Do you see rows of white tombstones stretching as far as the eye can see or do you see flag-draped coffins According to an unknown authora veteran whether active duty retired National Guard or reserve - is someone who at one point in his or her life wrote a blank check made pay- able to The United States of Americafor an amount of up to and including hisher life. When I hear veteran I see my two grandfa- thers my uncle my great- grandfather and count- less others who through their service and sacrifice made huge contributions to our great nation. I see right hands raised and hearI do solemn- ly swear that I will support and defend the Constitu- tion of the United States against all enemies for- eign and domestic. Because of them and many others who spoke those words we have the freedoms we enjoy today. Its because of them that I have the privilege to lay my head down on my pil- low at night and not fear what the darkness brings. Their sacrifices make it possible for us to live as we do. Since our country began many have had the remarkable strength to wear this countrys uniform. Although it has changed over the years one thing hasntthe never-ending strength courage determination and sacrifice of those who wear it. In the past for the most part our American military was made up of volunteers young people who heard the call and believed in their country so much that they yearned to wear this uniform. Their country called and they did their part. I will never accept defeat never leave a man behind honor courage commitment loyalty duty respect selfless service these are the core values our veterans exemplified through- out their service and even after their uniforms were retired. For these reasons veterans have made and continue to make our nation strong. Kimberly Mitchell a co-founder of a non-profit program to help veterans once said The children of today dont know the stories of our service men and women. They dont know the valor or understand the courage that our service men and women show every day. Their stories are an important part of our history - they show WHY we are WHO we are. She is 100 correct. Veterans are extremely important to our nations history and our future. Veterans represent dif- ferent eras different wars and different experiences but they are all bound by their willingness to give their lives for the country that they loved. I have had the honor to hear many incredible stories about my family members service to this country over the years. Those stories helped shape me into the person I am today. Those stories allowed me to learn and feel true patriotism at a very young age. They taught me what sacri- fice and heroism was when they talked about their experiences. It was during those talks that I was able to get a better understanding of our na- tions past. Those stories allowed me the ability to establish a respect for the men and women who served our nation dur- ing times of war. As they were sharing their mem- ories and experiences I had the opportunity to express my thanks that they so rightly deserved.In this same way our veterans can help all Americans young and old. Unfortunately my great-grandfather and uncle are no lon- ger with us. I am sure with their passing that many of their personal accounts are now buried. There are millions of veterans still living today but as each day passes we lose around one thousand and much of our American History dies with them. Important personal ac- counts from history are slipping away. In April of this past year I participated in welcoming home our veterans from their Honor Flight. Mr. Allen M. Anthony a World War II veteran was on that flight. He passed away on May 13 2014 less than a month after his Honor Flight. When I heard of Mr.Anthonys passingI couldnt help think- ing that each time an older veteran passes away we lose an important connection to our past and to the struggles that Why Veterans Are Important to Our Nations Past and Future A VFW Essay Contest Finalist Although this countrys uniform has changed over the years one thing hasntthe never-ending strength courage determination and sacrifice of those who wear it. Jonathan Gray II accepts his award from VFW representatives. Page 16 ESPRIT