Washington State Winner

Patrick Lyon
Battle Ground, WA
Home School
12th Grade

What does it mean to be an American? Being an American does not mean boundless privileges and the right to action without consequence. No, if we call ourselves American, we must live up to the American ideals; those great fundamentals and corner stones that our Founding Fathers erected centuries ago. While being American entitles us to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, we must not lose sight of those foundations, those powerful and magnificent virtues that have made America what it is today -- the greatest country on the face of the earth.

With hardly more than strength, courage, and perseverance, our Founding Fathers and the early Americans drove back the might of the British. In this process, the spark of independence burst into a flame, which illuminated their way to freedom, and ultimately, brought about the beginning of the United States. It is only through their heroic actions and sacrifices that we have the blessing of being able to call ourselves Americans. Let us never forget the strength, courage, and perseverance, which our founding fathers so valiantly displayed and died for, in shaping this glorious country.

True Americans are patriots for their country, and defenders of freedom. The zealous Patrick Henry placed this entire ideal of courageous patriotism when he cried out in fiery words, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" We must be willing to risk all, for the sake of our liberty and country. Being American means plucking up the courage to stand apart from the rest when necessary. We must shine through the dark and let the world know that we don't back down. As citizens of the United States, let us take the courage to shine our light as a beacon of hope, leading the world forward while promoting peace and prosperity.

And what would our magnificent country be if not for perseverance? It is only through the frequent application of this great virtue that the United States of America has emerged through the trials and hardships that have assailed it. When the British blocked the harbor of Boston, did we back down? When the early revolutionaries were beaten back, did they stop? No. Through their perseverance they kept the flicker of freedom burning bright, until soon, that flicker rose up to be a roaring fire that still burns bright to this day.

That flame of freedom, that lamplight of independence, will not die out. So long as Americans hold on to the ideals and principles that made this country great, then no opposing force can stop us. Although hardships will inevitably sink in, our strength as a united country will win through even the darkest of nights, and we will greet the day with renewed vigor. Armed with these virtues, which made America the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, we can face any adversity, blow through any trial, so long as we continue to live up to our calling as true citizens of the United States of America.