Sisters VFW Post 8138 presented the Patriot’s Pen Award to student Olivia Newton on November 9. Newton received a letter of recognition, two flag pins for her parents, a Patriot’s Pen medal, and a check for $400 for her essay, “How Are You Inspired by America?”

Her essay follows:

Inspiration: the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. What does inspiration mean to you? What historic events of our country have inspired others? Which historical people have inspired others by the path they led? When you think of America, a diversity of different images or phrases come to mind.Maybe you think “Land of the Free,” or of our democratic system. When someone asks you, “How are you inspired by America?” you can either say there are many inspirational aspects, or many things we need to change. America inspires me because we have come so incredibly far from where we started, through hardships, through victories, and through the courage of our veterans.

Another thing that inspires me about America is our freedom of speech, and the people who have used that freedom to improve this country. For example, Martin Luther King, Jr., who used the right to go against racism with his words and actions. Or perhaps the persistence of the founding fathers, how George Washington started simply as a soldier but is now a symbol of our country. This proves that even if you start at the bottom, persistence can guide you all the way to the top.

America is also a country of many different cultures, beliefs, and nationalities. In the early days of America, immigrants would travel over from Mexico, India, China, and many other countries for the promise of freedom and opportunity. This led to the states consisting of people of many different ethnicities. The reason of immigration in itself is proven through all the amazing choices of colleges and universities. These educational opportunities are equally offered to all citizens; including women and people of color.

Therefore, America has many cultural and political achievements that inspire me to grow and use my rights as a woman and citizen of this country. To me, inspiration is learning about those who have not been afraid to use their voice, to take a stand for their beliefs, and the people who have challenged how to expand this country to be inclusive of all. To the colonists who built the ground of our amazing country and government, to the veterans who fought for our freedom, I thank you. Thank you for inspiring the youth to reach for their goals and fighting for, and insisting upon, equality for all.