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 3 were Quinn Mongeon, first place; Matthew Cornell, second place; and Nathaniel Poette, third place, all from Sullivan School. Their essays follow: By Quinn Mongeon
I can show patriotism in my community by thanking those who served our country. I can do this by making and sending cards to veterans for Veterans Day. I made cards and sent them to Soldiers' Home in Holyoke for the veterans there. Paul Barabani, superintendent of Holyoke Soldiers' Home came to our school and taught us about veterans. Also, Sergeant Javier Viera visited our class with another soldier, Sergeant Nicholas Civello to teach us about the Army. My class and I did something for the soldiers called Spreading Holiday Cheer. We made holiday cards in our classroom. Then we sent them to soldiers in the 1-182 Infantry in Afghanistan to show soldiers we were thinking of them. Each year, the whole school goes to a Memorial Day program at our school in honor of soldiers who have died serving their country. Another way to show patriotism is to help the environment which shows we care for our country. I should recycle, pick up litter, not litter, and use items made from 100 percent recycled materials. Something else I can do is to help others
By Matthew Cornell
I can show my patriotism for my community in many ways. I thanked those who served my country and made cards for soldiers in Afghanistan and Norway. I sent cards to veterans at Soldiers' Home. Mr. Barabani taught us about veterans and the Veterans who live at Soldiers' Home. Everybody said we were spreading holiday cheer. We always do the Memorial Day program at Sullivan School and last year we sang, "My Flag -- Red, White and Blue." This year I will be on the stage and lead this project with my class. I can also show my patriotism by helping others like my family, elderly, disabled people, people in need, and animals. I can help by making donations. At my school we raised $800 for the animal shelter so that is how much people care about our animals. I had fun raising money for the animal shelter. I'm happy the animals are better and we are better people for helping them. We will be better people now and if we aren't we won't be adding to the good! But I always add to the good! Respect is another way to show my patriotism by believing in the Pledge of Allegiance. I can display the American flag at my home. I can go to parades in North Adams or anywhere else. My Uncle Tom was a soldier in the war and I'm worried about people who are at war. That is how I can show my patriotism for my community.
By Nathaniel Poette
I can show patriotism in my community by helping my country. One thing I can do is help the environment. I will not litter. I can also help the community by picking up litter. I will recycle a few objects each day because recycling can go a very long way helping the planet if everyone did it. I can use 100 percent recycled materials to help save the planet. I can also help disabled people. Helping disabled people gives good karma. I can also help animals because they help the environment and help us in some ways. I can show patriotism by saying the Pledge of Allegiance with respect. I always thank those who serve our country while saying the pledge and during the moment of silence. I always go to parades on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day to show the people who served our country respect. I thanked those who served our country by making cards for the veterans. I go with my family to parties that support our mayor. I will vote when 18 years old. That is how I can show patriotism in my community.
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