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Well, the papers from the students that I interviewed from Fellowship Christian Academy keep coming in from their participation in the VFW’s Voice of Democracy competition. Here is the third paper (Previous papers: Peter, Maggie).

Guest post by Laura:

“The habits and character you’re forming now will shape who you are going to be when you grow up.” My mom tells me that all the time, usually because I’m doing something I probably shouldn’t be. It’s so true though. How our generation deals with life now, as teenagers, will affect not only us personally, but the others around us as well; how we act as a whole will define the future of America. So how can we live life now to have a positive influence on our country?
   
First off, we should know what makes our country be our country. Our independence isn’t something handed over to us on a silver platter. We have paid dearly for our liberties, from the second America was formed. Men and women have fought to obtain and ensure our freedom, sacrificing their time, energy, and in many cases, their lives. All this, so we can enjoy our rights; so we can worship how and when we want to. So we can say what we think and feel, without any fear. So if we think our government is doing wrong, we can protest that, and our voices will be heard. Those are just a few examples of what our soldiers are dying for to protect. Next time you see someone who puts their life on the line, so you can live yours, stop, and thank them. Let them know that their acts of courage are appreciated by the people they are serving.
   
Secondly, we should actively…

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(Picture credit: Alan Glassman; Tom talking to the students)

As I pointed out here, I met up and interviewed / was interviewed by students from the Fellowship Christian Academy.  During that time, they informed me that they were participating in the VFW’s Voice of Democracy; I offered to post their papers.  Here is the second paper (Previous paper: Peter).

Guest post by Maggie:

Does my generation play a role in America’s future? Asked this, the majority of high school students in the United States would answer, “no. probably not.” After all, they can’t vote, don’t make laws, and know next to nothing about politics. However, the truly vitalizing fact is that not only do we play a role in America’s future, we ARE America’s future.

Walk up to a high school student and ask that student what year we broke free of British control and became a country. Ask them who General Lee or Nathan Hale was. Ask them in what year the civil war was fought or what the Bill of Rights is. I can guarantee you that most of them will not provide you with correct answers. They don’t know. Why? Why should the youth in this country be so negligent in their knowledge of the tremendous history of the United States? The answer is simple- because they have not been taught. The majority of public schools in the U.S. no longer teach American History. Instead of American History, their minds are being filled with things such as “global thought”, “world peace”, and “critical thinking”. The media has perverted the minds of the young by telling them it is people like Lady Gaga, Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna, and Tiger Woods who should be honored rather than those who left their families and are now fighting across the ocean to prevent them ever having to experience a 9/11 in their own neighborhood.

 As a result, students are completely oblivious to their heritage. The youth of America don’t…

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(Picture credit: Alan Glassman; Tom talking to the students) 

As I pointed out here, I met up and interviewed / was interviewed by students from the Fellowship Christian Academy.  During that time, they informed me that they were participating in the VFW’s Voice of Democracy; I offered to post their papers.  Here is the first paper.

Guest post by Peter:

George Washington, born February 22nd 1732, died December 14th 1799 from extensive blood loss.  Martin Luther King, born January 15th 1929, was assassinated April 4th 1968.  In his honor America has set up a national Martin Luther King Day.  Abraham Lincoln, born February 12th 1809, was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14th 1865.  Looked at as one of the greatest American presidents, Abraham Lincoln is remembered for his honesty and Integrity.  By looking at these facts, we can come to the conclusion that these people played a great role in not only America, but the world.  One might ask, “How did these men achieve such greatness?  “What qualities or characteristics made them different?” More importantly, “How do we follow in their footsteps, and how can we have an impact on the world around us.”  So let’s ask the question, does my generation have a role in America’s future, and if so, what will the impact be?

The answer to this first question is clear; of course my generation has a role in America’s future.  However, the answer to the second question is not so easily understood.  In order to understand it, we need to look at the people who we know have impacted the world, and examine them and their lives.  What did people like Lincoln, Luther, Washington, Einstein, Joan of Arc, Churchill, Alvin C. York and many more have in common?  The answer is simple; they all possessed great ethics and morals, and were not afraid to stand up for what they believed in… 

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