My answer may sound a bit ridiculous, and it probably won’t make any sense, but I can never say "thank you” because those two small, insignificant, little words would never be enough to express my gratitude for what our veterans have done for me, my family, and my country. It just doesn’t seem like enough to say the same thing to a veteran that you would say to someone that let you borrow a pencil in math class.

Veterans have witnessed many things that the average person cannot even begin to fathom. They have witnessed war and suffering, death and destruction, pain and Mourning. They have shouldered this burden so that we, the American people, did not have to endure it. We must also remember that veterans not only witnessed the negative consequences of war, but they also saw the growth that happened because of it. They saw the people of an entire country, no matter their age, race, or social status, unite against one common enemy. They saw the people of their country face adversity and triumph over it. They saw the power of our united patriotism, and the resilience of their proud, proud nation. Veterans have seen the ups and downs of our turbulent history. They are our American history, our country’s legacy, and they are the embodiment of the patriotic journey that our nation has been fighting for since the colonists first led the American Revolution. They represent the sacrifices of our fallen comrades. They are a way to remember, a way to remind the American people to be grateful that they live in a country that is of its own free will, that they live in a country where men and women are willing to risk their lives, their dreams, and their futures to fight for our right to enjoy basic freedoms and privileges. They represent the best of America. They are people who believe in our country. That is why the veteran is important.

Earlier, I mentioned that I don't see a veteran very often, but that's not really the case because they are around us every single day. Today, there are around 19 million veterans in the United States. 19 million soldiers. 19 million of our fathers, our grandfathers, our mothers, grandmothers, brothers, and sisters. 19 million of our friends and our neighbors. 19 million Americans believed enough in our nation’s people. 19 million people believed in our nation’s democracy so much so that they were willing to give up everything just to preserve it. They are part of every day that we live and breathe air that tastes of freedom and of liberty. And even though many veterans will not outwardly profess that they are heroes, they are indeed our silent heroes. Our humble heroes. That is why the veteran is important.

So, the next time that I meet a veteran at my local Walmart or at my small-town diner, I will show my appreciation. I won’t shy away. Just a simple thank you and maybe, just maybe, my expression of gratitude will brighten that veteran’s day. And to all of the veterans who are listening to me now, thank you. Thank you for all that you have sacrificed and for all that you have endured on the behalf of your country. Thank you for being such an important part of our nation’s history. Thank you so much for having the bravery and the courage to fight for our country, to fight for me. Thank you. You are important.

 Audio

 Past Post 6464 Winners

 Voice of Democracy

2018-2019           Robert W. Bilyk             Fowlerville High School                   "Why My Vote Matters”

2019-2020           Alex J. Wyrembelski      Our Lady of the Lakes School          "What Makes America Great”

2020-2021           Jon Tristan vonGunten   Mason High School                          "Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?”

2021-2022           Abigail Thomas              Fowlerville High School                   "America:  Where Do We Go From Here?” 

2022-2023           Ryen L. Padilla               Linden High School                         "Why is The Veteran Important?”

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