NORTH ADAMS -- The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors the Americanism Essay Contest for students in grades 3 through 12 every year. This year's essay theme was: "How can I show my patriotism in my community?"
Winners in grade 4 were Chandler Duncan, first, from Greylock School; and Elijah Vallieres, second, from Greylock School; and Gwen Farnsworth, third, from Sullivan School. By Chandler Duncan
Patriotism is to love, support, and defend one's country. I wish there was more UNITY in the world as a whole. We say the Pledge of Allegiance every morning in school. I know the words and they make me feel proud because it states that we are to remain UNITED and that our goals are to have freedom and fairness for all.
One way I would show my patriotism is by learning about the history of the United States of America and how it became a free country. The first way I would learn is by reading many books about American history, including the war that won us our freedom from Great Britain. I would also read about the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, our democratic government, and how to be supportive of its purpose, including hold up all the freedoms that our ancestors fought so hard for such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to vote. I would talk about everything I learned with family and friends.
I am also going to pay closer attention to where the items that I am interested in buying
These are some great ways to show patriotism because it will help me learn more about our nation and inspire me to do something for the U.S.A. and world now and later when I am older.
By Elijah Vallieres
I show my patriotism by being a Cub Scout. I have been a Cub Scout for four years. I enjoy marching in the Memorial Day parade. Last year I got to hold the American flag. We marched to the war memorial to honor the soldiers that fought for our country.
In Cub Scouts, I learned to perform the flag ceremony. I helped fold the flag. We say the Pledge of Allegiance at every meeting. Saying the Pledge of Allegiance reminds us of our freedoms as Americans.
We also say the Cub Scout promise which says, "I promise to do my best, to do my duty, to help God and my country and obey the laws of the pack." By following the Cub Scout promise, I have become a good and patriotic citizen.
It is an honor to be a Cub Scout and I learned a lot about being a good citizen. I am proud of being a Cub Scout and proud of being an American.
By Gwen Farnsworth
Here are a few ways to show patriotism in our community. One way is to organize a group to clean litter. You are showing you care about the earth.
Welcoming immigrants is a great way to show patriotism. You prove you care. You are also being a great friend. So make America feel like a new home. You could ask them to join you to help out. Did he or she get an A+? Congratulate them! You are being a great friend.
Another way is to help neighbors for free. You are showing you are a good neighbor. Help old Mr. Wigwag carry the trash to the curb. Rake Mrs. Hatcher's messy yard. Be neighborly!
If you are going to make some money, give it to charity. There is nothing better to buy than help for others. Or you could give clothes and old toys. You are helping out more than you may think.
Work toward peace. Let's bring peace to the planet. Do all you can. Most importantly, spread your knowledge. If everyone was like this, wow! Inside us all, we have a glow of goodness, and one life to use it. So, let's use it. We can all use it.
Those are ways to show patriotism in our community.
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