SEQUIM — KatieRose Needham, 14, an eighth-grader at Sequim Adventist School, won third-place in the Washington state “Patriot Pens Youth Essay Competition”‘ sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
(“Sequim teen wins essay contest; 8th-grader’s definition of patriotism impresses VFW,” , Feb. 13.)
Several PDN readers asked if they could read her award-winning essay, and we’re proud to publish it:
My Dream for America
My dream for America is for me, my children and my grandchildren to have the privilege to grow up in a world of peace, health, safety and environmental soundness. 2003 does not seem to be leading in that direction.
My dream would be that in this generation and the next, we would not have the worries of being invaded by other countries who do not believe in the type of freedoms that we enjoy.
I would hope that we could have the peace of mind that our planes and other modes of travel, our water and our food supply are free of terrorism.
My dream would be that all could enjoy the best health possible.
That every parent would see the need of early dental care, medical care and immunizations for their children.
That families would know the importance of good nutrition and exercise and diligently practice these things.
I would like to see the family once again around the dinning room table enjoying a home-cooked meal and family time.
My dream would also include personal safety for each American.
I dream of a world where people do not have to worry about being attacked, robbed, beaten or raped.
My mother tells me stories of what it was like when she grew up.
She was able to ride her bike across town, walk with her girlfriends to the library, sleep out in her backyard, spend hours at the park — and often they didn’t even lock their doors.
Her neighbors and townspeople could be trusted.
My dream would be to roll back the clock, at least where personal safety and morality are concerned.
My dream would also include a clean and stable environment.
I would like to see our technology used to insure that my children could breathe clean unpolluted air and drink unpolluted water wherever they choose to live.
My dream for America, may seem to be more like a song that Louis Armstrong sang, “What A Wonderful World,” but I think it could be possible if we all work together and keep the spirit of America in front of us.
I was not born in the United States. I came when I was 6 weeks old.
I am now a citizen of the United States of America, and I am PROUD to be an AMERICAN!
