As many places closed for Veterans Day, the Veterans of Foreign War Post 1913 opened its doors for their annual celebration where they heard readings of the winning Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen essays.
The essay contest is held each year through the surrounding schools, and this year saw nearly 30 entries, with each participant to win a certificate and a cash prize. But the big winners were the ones who took first place—Eva Blankenberger of Hopkinsville High School was the winner in the Voice of Democracy contest and Molly Cansler of Christian County Middle School took first for her Patriot Pen Essay.
In her essay, Blankenberger says the country needs to return to being one whole, with many things currently set to divide us, but she believes everyone can be united again.
Cansler said that she’s grateful to those servicemen and women who have fought for our freedoms, and she strives to show her thankfulness every day.
VFW Commander John Brame congratulated the winners and thanked all the students for their participation, saying all of them were excellent and showed their talents.
Second place in the Voice of Democracy contest went to Carly Chaudoin, and third was taken by Rachel Baker—in the Patriot Pen contest, second place went to Brandon Reinhart and third to Taylor Nail.