Elks Essay Contest State Third Place Winner

Legacy Secondary is proud of our own Jayme Shelton, who received third place in the state of Arizona in the Arizona Elks Association Annual Americanism Essay contest. 

                                                       "What Does Veteran's Day Mean to Me?"
                                                                           by Jayme Shelton

     Most Americans don't know how the families of our military and our military personnel are affected every day.  Veteran's Day is a holiday for supporting men and women who serve to protect America.  Without them I can't imagine what America would be like.  They give the greatest sacrifice they can for people they don't know.  I am going to give three reasons of what Veteran's Day means to me.

     The first reason is it affects my family.  My cousin is like my brother.  When he left for Iraq it was extremely hard for me.  When he got shrapnel in him from an explosive, it was difficult for my family.  Veteran's Day is important for the family of the military and the military personnel.  It supports them and lets them know people really care.

     People have spent a lifetime and have given their lives with dignity to protect the freedoms of this country for me and for you.

     Finally, Veteran's Day is important for the veterans who are still here.  Some of them have war dreams that scare them; some of them have endured terrible experiences; they gave up being with their family for our freedom.  The respect that they get with Veterans Day helps them.

     In conclusion, Veteran's Day means a lot to people.  It is more than a holiday.  It is a day to remember the people who allowed their lives to be changed so that we could live in safety and liberty.

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