South Aiken students place first for honoring veterans 11/11/2009 7:48 PM
By ROB NOVIT Senior writer
Three South Aiken High School students expressed the celebration of freedom and Veterans Day through different ways Tuesday - through art, poetry and an essay.
Robert Nesbitt took first-place in a Veterans Day art competition with his depiction of the bald eagle, the United States' national emblem. Emily Graves was first for her poem, "Stop and Think." First-place in the essay contest went to Dylan Gunnels for "Necessary Phenomenon." Graves and Gunnels read their work to other students at the Veterans Day program.
Nesbitt, a student of art teacher Linda Muse, chose to include the POW/MIA insignia in the eagle's eye as a reminder of those captured or missing in the field of battle.
"It was definitely inspiring to do this," Nesbitt said. "The eagle kind of embodied the idea of freedom."
In her poem, Graves described the contrast of Americans who may not fully appreciate the freedoms they have with the people of other nations who have little or no freedoms.
"In one country," she wrote, "everybody whines about not being free or not being able to do what they want. In another, no one knows what freedom is, but they dream about it everyday and are just happy to be alive."
Graves admitted she was stunned when she won the poetry contest.
"I don't like to read in front of people," she said with a smile. "So I wound up reading in front of the entire student body."
Gunnels said he really wanted to win the essay contest, so he could share a message he feels strongly about. He was a third-grader during Sept. 11 and didn't understand the enormity of the tragedy then. As he got older, Gunnels became interested in politics and government. His great-grandfather, a great-uncle and his dad served in the military and have inspired him. He is a cadet with the Naval Junior ROTC unit and hopes to attend the Naval Academy.
His essay echoes some of Graves' thoughts about freedom. The high level of patriotism following Sept. 11 has waned, and Americans have drifted into self-absorbed lives, Gunnels wrote. He cited Ronald Reagan's 1967 inaugural address when he came governor of California. Freedom is a fragile thing, Reagan said, and those who have lost it have never known it again.
"So to those who know most that freedom costs freedom," Gunnels wrote, "America's gratitude belongs to you."
Other students who received awards in art and writing were Jeremy Fulmer, Katherine Kranjc, Rebecas McManus, Raul Gallegos, Nicole Askew, Alex Kroc, Madison Anderson, Tyler Jones, Carrie Kelly, Alan Verburg, Tre Moyer, Sarah Samundson and Sarah Pulzer.
The winning poem and essay are printed in full below.
"Stop and Think"
By Emily Graves
In one country kids are running through a playground with their light up sneakers and wind blowing in their hair.
In another, kids are deciding whether or not it is safe enough to even go outside.
In one country a woman is in an office, being the president of a major corporation.
In another, a woman is being abused and neglected, being told that women cannot do anything.
In one country kids are waking up early to start their day of education.
In another, kids do not know what getting an education is, but they beg for it everyday.
In one country you can hear people complaining about the cost of medicine for their sickness.
In another, you can see the pain of a sick person who cannot be treated, but still does not complain.
In one country a car breaks, and the owner is livid that he has to ride a bus.
In another, walking three miles a day is average.
In one country everyone whines about not being free or not being able to do what they want.
In another, no one knows what freedom is, but they dream about it everyday and are just happy to be alive.
In one country no one stops to think about how grateful they should be for their freedom.
In another, they are not free at all.
Stop and think.
"Necessary Phenomenon"
By Dylan Gunnels
It was September 14, 2001, and the President of the United States stood upon a pile of rubble, waving the American flag. With one hand, he grasped the handle of a mega phone, while his other hand gripped the shoulder of a teary-eyed, New York fireman. Proudly, he bellowed the following: "I want you all to know that America today is on bended knee in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, and for the families who mourn. This nation stands with the good people of New York City as we mourn the loss of thousands of our citizens. I can hear you! I can hear you, the rest of the world hears you, and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon!"
The pile of rubble he stood upon was once the Twin Towers, brought down just three days earlier, on September 11, 2001, by a Taliban regime. One by one, Americans came together in front of their television screens, radio sets, and even the streets of New York to witness the appalling events. One by one, they came together to pray for one another, assist one another, and give extraordinary financial and emotional support to one another. One by one, citizens decided to stand up and make it known that they were deeply concerned their freedoms were under attack by, to quote former President Bush, the "very axis of evil," those diabolical individuals who oppose the foundation in which this country is rooted. United we stood, willing to be a force of one.
As the years passed, that high level of patriotism and sympathy waned. Americans were quick to lose the images of collapsing buildings crowned by smoke, mothers fleeing down the street with babies in hand, and office workers who were jumping from one guaranteed death to another. Society soon lost their passion and forgot the tragedy, only to continue their self-absorbed lives. As self-absorption overcomes the will to fight, Americans become content with what they possess and overlook the fact that it can be gone in an instant. Robert Frost once said that "you have freedom when you're easy in the harness." Americans are able to live "easy in the harness" because we have freedom of press, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and simply put the freedom to live our lives the way we desire. In many countries unlike our own, to enunciate an opposition towards one's government would result in death. In many countries unlike our own, the freedom to worship a God publicly is unfathomable and an occurrence that must happen behind closed doors. In many countries unlike our own, freedom to represent personality, beliefs, or preferences- one's freedom or expression-is something of which citizens have never dreamt.
As Americans came together that September day, they realized that freedom is a special privilege that must be treasured and fought for to maintain. For a brief period, it became apparent why we fight and shed blood to uphold our freedom and ultimately remain safe from those who despise what we cherish.
I believe Ronald Reagan put it best during his 1967 Gubernatorial Inaugural Address when he said, "Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known freedom and then lost it have never known it again." So to those who know most that freedom costs freedom, America's gratitude belongs to you.
Notice about comments:
AikenStandard.com is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. AikenStandard.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not AikenStandard.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Posted by: On: Thursday, November 12, 2009 5:50 AM
Comment Title: Students Honor Veterans
It is wonderful to see that some young people recognize the sacrifices that have allowed them to be free. May the fire of freedom burn in their bellies so that this country will remain free and that the freedoms we are losing daily will one day be regained. Thanks kids!
Report Abuse
1