<p>This is a speech I wrote for Voice of Democracy. I figured that it would be appropriate to post it because of veterans day.</p>
<p>America’s Veterans, the reason why America is still the best country in the world. They defended our freedoms with honor and dignity. They stopped at nothing in the face of fear and won our nation’s battles. We owe our lives to those who willingly gave up theirs to protect us. Honoring our vets is not just a matter of saying thank-you, it is much more.
My role in honoring America’s Veterans begins with following in their footsteps; to defend this country once again, to keep its legacy alive in the face of adversity. Serving in the armed forces honors all veterans; it makes the clear statement that what our veterans protected is important enough to us that we too are willing to continue protecting it. I plan to become an officer in the United States Army, and am applying to become a cadet at the United States Military Academy. I hope to serve my country as honorably as our veterans did, and if called upon to do so, I will defend America with my life. I show my gratitude for our veterans service by carrying on their battle to defend the Constitution.
Continuing democracy is an important way of honoring American Vets. It would be the ultimate failure of America if the lives lost by its veterans were to be wasted defending principles that would only be later lost. Our vets fought for freedom, not only for themselves, but for all Americans, and we must ensure that it continues. I will ensure the continuation of democracy by being an active citizen who votes for the best candidate, pays taxes, and supports the Constitution. On top of performing general civic duties and serving in the military, I will petition the government regarding decisions that I feel to be unbenficial to America, enjoy my freedom of religion, and freedom of speech. If Americans were not to exercise their rights frequently, then they would eventually be lost.
Remembering our Veterans’ Accomplishments is a strong method of honoring them. Americans often can become calloused to tragic events such as the D-Day invasion. Many veterans fought and died, giving up their lives to prevent fascism and nazism from spreading across the world, and yet the weight of their sacrifice does not strongly affect us. Moments of silence and mourning periods are becoming hollow and feel rehearsed. I wish to honor veterans by taking time to talk with them in order to better understand and recognize the magnitude of their service. Some made the Ultimate Sacrifice, and others fought next to them. In both cases, they deserve more respect than Americans give them today. Simply following an almost procedural moment of silence does not honor veterans to the extent they deserve.
Our veterans provided America with a service so great in magnitude, so epic in proportion that America cannot possibly compensate them monetarily or materially. The only true way to honor America’s Veterans is to remember and preserve their accomplishments. I plan to preserve their accomplishments by performing my civic duties and by serving in the Armed Forces. I also wish to honor them by trying to recognize the magnitude of their service. We are endebted to our veterans for the freedoms we enjoy, and the best way to repay them is to show them the honor and respect they deserve.
Thank You, and God Bless America.</p>