Friday, May 28, 2010

Abigail's "America's Heroes" essay

A blood-curdling woman’s scream pierces through New York’s evening air. Startled pedestrians and rushed taxi drivers look toward the source of the yell. The source is a woman falling from the top of a skyscraper. But then, before everyone’s eyes, they see him coming to her rescue …. “Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound…….” Superman has become our image of a hero. However, to be a hero, did our historical and present heroes have to be another version of Superman? What truly makes a hero? Who are our heroes? Are there still heroes today?

Obviously, if you look at the average person, they probably are not bodily fit to enough to replace Superman. Although there are many heroes who had exceptional physical ability, there also are countless other heroes who may have been ill or disabled in some other manner. Their weakness did not prohibit them from being courageous! Not all heroes are recognized. Some are just people trying to fulfill a need, restore justice, or make a difference in one person’s life. They may be like Doctor William T. G. Morton, the first man to use a surgical anesthetic, ether. He simply desired to enable people to have surgery without the pain. He made a difference in millions of lives, and he didn’t need political power or military strength to do it! No certain abilities are necessary to be a hero, because it is not what you are capable of that makes you a hero, but what you do.

There always has to be a cause, motive, or purpose behind someone who is bound to act heroically. People who do extraordinary feats for their own glory are not real heroes. A hero is someone who defends and even endangers their welfare for what they believe will benefit others. We don’t always value the same causes. Thus, in your eyes, a hero is someone who stands up for what you think is important, no matter how controversial the issue is. To a Jewish Holocaust survivor, their hero may be someone like Corrie Ten Boom, who endangered her life for save Jewish souls. To an African-American, their hero may be Harriet Tubman, also called “Moses”, who led hundreds of slaves north to freedom. What types of people are your heroes? Who are America’s heroes?

What certain cause do all U.S. citizens believe in? When you think about America, we may have great athletes, a world famous movie industry in Hollywood and an influential say in world issues, but these are not the essence of the United States. What made and still makes the U.S. attractive to immigrants? America is called “the Land of Opportunity” because we have what the Declaration of Independence defined as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” As we know, freedom comes with a cost. We are secure, free to live our own lives and pursue our dreams because we have soldiers defending our cause.

There are many heroes in America, but there is one group that stands out. It is not because they are the fastest, or most powerful, or able to do extraordinary feats, but because of their selfless devotion to us. For his selfless attempt to save a comrade, Sergeant 1st Class Jared C. Monti was recently awarded the Medal of Honor. Soldiers like Monti, who care about their fellow countrymen, are still serving today. They are men who fight through a constant rain of bullets. In times past, they boarded locomotives, and with their faces pressed against the window, strained to catch a last glimpse of their family. Men and women serve today so that nothing like what happened to those tall buildings in New York will ever happen again. Yes, America, you still have heroes.
Abigail, age 13

Aliia's Veteran's Essay

When is the Right Time to Honor Our Military Heroes?

When we think of honoring military heroes we often think of Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veteran’s Day. Many just consider these holidays a time to be with friends and family, a time to eat hotdogs, hamburgers, and cotton candy. But no, have you ever thought of anything other than fireworks, songs, and races during this time? Remember that men and women have fought in wars, many leaving their loved ones in another country while helping other people. Sometimes we don’t recognize our veterans for their great contribution.
There have been national holidays full of great speeches where every eye and every ear was tuned to veterans, telling their stories. Children watched as their fathers gave a hearty handshake and greeting to the veterans that passed by. Many were seen smiling with great pride when the flag was raised for their country. Fascinated, they witnessed the red, white and blue patriots march by, waving flags as big blasts of music trumpeted along. Once, I was allowed to march with veterans during a holiday, suddenly feeling my patriotism for my country. My heart nearly burst when I knew they wanted to share the pride they had.
Think back to the years when slaves were trying to get free. Thousands of soldiers fought ceaselessly day after day for freedom. If we did not have our hero veterans, African-Americans like me could still be in slavery, trying to escape the horrid, miserable circumstances. Perhaps we don’t have any wars on U.S. soil today, but we can now help others gain their freedom, rights, and liberties. Freedom has a cost, and our veterans were the ones who paid it.
Maybe it’s just seeing the words “Veteran” on a bumper-sticker or a hat someone’s wearing -- if you see a person with a hat like that, ask them about it, because there’s a story behind it. When I was younger, my family went to a nursing home where we met many veterans. We visited a World War II Veteran who had served in North Africa. We should listen to and cherish the stories veterans have to tell us.
When should we honor our veterans? Don’t just honor them on holidays when they tell stories, give speeches, and during marches. Find them and ask them their story and with a smile, to brighten up their day, thank them!
Aliia, age 11