Our Voice of Democracy winner Andrew Nevel accepting award from Junior Vice Commander Vernon Hanson with President Jodi Nerney
Our "Voice of Democracy" program is an audio essay competition which offers an opportunity to young people to voice their thoughts on patriotism. "My Service to America" is the l998 theme. Each entry is judged on it's content pertaining to the theme as well as the presentation. The competition is open to 10th, 11th and l2th grade students. Each entrant must prepare a no less than 3 minutes and no more than 5 minute audio recording of their written essay on the theme. Awards and recognition are presented to winners on Post, District and Department (State) levels. A winner on the Post level proceeds to competition with winners of other Posts in the District. Winners in the District, compete with winners in other Districts in the state of Florida. The Florida winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington DC where they will compete on a national level.
What is our service to our nation, America? A question like this delves deep into our own personal senses of duty. First, why do we owe our service to this country? What has America given us? Then, we wonder, how do we do our part to support the nation? What have others given or sacrificed, to get us to the point where we stand today? To a point in our history, perhaps the first such time in any nations history, where we are free to debate and understand what our nation really stands for, what we want to work for, and what we owe to match the deeds of past patriots and bring America into a brighter future.
Why do we owe allegiance to America? What does this nation give us that is so special and treasured, that men throughout history would rather give their lives than see it destroyed? Just look around at the state of much of the world today to answer your own question. In countless countries of Asia, Africa, even Europe, people slave for dictators or regimes, working with no purpose but fear of the government and a fierce desire to survive. In Bosnia and the Middle East, there is so little control by the various countries, that people kill each other out of blind hatred passed down through generations, fighting and murdering for things that they could instead share. But here in the United States, things are far more peaceful. We have the freedom to say what we think and feel - and when someone comes along and abuses these freedoms by focusing on hate and fears, we have been given by our nation, the education and wisdom to see them for what they truly are. Nowhere else on Earth, are people so free to strive to make their own fortunes and destinies, to build their own businesses and lives, and to pick their own representatives and leaders. Yes, often these people and practices can become corrupted - but we can also root this corruption out, and begin again. That is America's covenant to its people - but what do we, the people, owe to our country in exchange for such a lifestyle? Some people may tell you that we are not obliged to give anything in return. But, if everyone were only to take, then soon we would no longer have the free democracy we have today. Our first duty to the government, therefore, is to take an active interest in politics. Learn the facts about your representatives. Learn whose views and practices are best to help your nation. And then vote! It is a government of the people that we have, and without the people taking part, our government would become rotten and corrupt, and no longer serve our freedoms. Democracy, without the peoples' consent, is nothing. Another service we owe our nation comes to the forefront only during wartime. When a war occurs, we must not be going to war simply for the sake of politics. War is a horrible, scarring experience that will never leave the minds of its survivors. Therefore, we must protest if the reason for going into battle is not vital to protecting innocent lives in our own country or those of our close allies or if a threat seriously looms over democracy and its ideals. Even then, there are far better ways to avoid such diasters, and war should be used only if all else fails. How many lives would have been saved had Lyndon Johnson not been in search of glory and political maneuverings, and instead cared about the lives of U.S. soldiers and their families? But, if the country does find itself in a wartime situation, a far more dangerous prospect today, with the proliferation of atomic warfare, then it is our civic duty to fight for our country, or if unable, to help the efforts of our soldiers in any way possible. Economically, we should try to purchase products produced here in the U.S. You see many Toyota, Mazda, and Volkswagens driving around compared to domestic vehicles. When we buy American goods, we help to create jobs and stimulate our economy. In the end, this can only benefit each of us through lower prices. In addition, we need to spend our money wisely. If we end up bankrupt, when we retire the government ultimately spends taxpayer money supporting us. Taking a social aspect, besides being honest and lawful ourselves, we need to support our police forces. These men and women risk their lives each day to try and make everyone else's lives easier - and yet still we hear them taunted with angry insults or complaints. These people do not deserve to be the nation's scapegoats for the reason the crime rate is so high. Finally, we should try and volunteer some of our spare time. Many people less fortunate than ourselves need assistance, and when we give our time and energy, the government does not have to spend taxpayer money for others to do it.
In the end, the covenant America has with its people is a fair and well-balanced one. America provides us with freedoms to live, believe, and express ourselves how we wish, and also to choose our representatives to the Congress and Senate to express our views. In exchange, we owe the country very little officially. But, as good citizens, we must strive, as past fallen patriots have, to maintain democracy and make the United States an even better place for our children to live in. Politically, we vote for the best men and women to competently and passionately preserve our rights and freedoms. Militarily, we strive to pick our fights carefully and then assist our fighting men however we can. Economically, we purchase American goods made by American workers. Socially, we obey the laws and respect those who risk their lives to enforce it. And ultimately, we do it all to create a better America for tomorrow. It is our duty and service performed to complete our covenant with America.
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