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Each year, the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) holds their annual Voice of Democracy essay program. According to the VFM website, this audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. 

This year, Gina Barry ’26 (1st place), Kiara Byrnes ’25 (second place) and Mahmoud Haefz ’24 (third place) were recognized for their work by the VFW Post 201 on December 16th. The students were required to write and record an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year's theme was: "What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?"

Kiara Byrnes '25, Mahmoud Haefz ’24 & Gina Barry '26

Nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter annually to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. It was established in 1947. The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. 

We are proud to present each essay below.

Gina Barry’s Essay

Democracy is a form of government that depends on the will of the people. It gives the citizens the power to elect government officials. These elected officials are expected to make laws and policies that reflect the will and interests of the majority. The greatest attributes of our democracy include the promotion of freedom, equality, economic development, and the protection of basic human rights. 

In our democracy, freedom is a key principle. This includes freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. These freedoms empower citizens to express their thoughts, and beliefs blatantly without fear of persecution. Our ability to vote gives us the power to voice our opinions on the future of our nation. 

Equality is just as crucial to our democracy. Everyone, no matter race, religion, and economic standing, is equal under the law. The law ensures everyone's voice is heard and discourages discrimination. Democracy promotes everyone being treated fairly and respectfully, no matter what they believe in. 

Democracy lays the foundation for economic development. Financial markets are accessible, which allows businesses to start up and thrive with less hassle. Democracy is also open to international trade, which helps to expand businesses, increase exports, and attract foreign investment. Democracy promotes accountability, which reduces wasteful spending, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the economy. Another democratic element for economic development is inclusivity; this leads to more balanced economic policies that consider the needs of various groups within society, promoting a more equal economic development. Most importantly, democracy focuses on funding education and healthcare; these elements are critical to healthy and strong human development. 

The protection of basic human rights is vital to our nation. Democracy provides a safe, peaceful environment for us. Democracy protects us from discrimination and combats international terrorism and crime. Our system of checks and balances guarantees that no one branch of government can breach the rights of individuals without accountability. Democracy allows everyone to be free and believe what they want to believe. 

Democracy is a great form of government for our nation. It allows us to live our lives fully while feeling safe and equal. Since the United States has become a democracy, the people have had a say in what the future of the country should be. This gives people the feeling of power and contribution. Overall, without democracy, our country would be much more divided and unequal. In conclusion, the promotion of freedom, equality, economic development, and the protection of basic human rights are among the most significant qualities that define our democracy.

Kiara Byrnes’s Essay

Since the establishment of the United States during the American Revolution and the significant signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, our nation has relentlessly strived for the uphold of  freedom. Our democracy, formed out of a simple convention of delegates, has since developed into a system with three separate branches, each of which represents an assortment of voices. With time, our government has grown and made it easier for everyone to take an active role in determining our future as a nation. The United States grants its citizens the freedom to freely express their beliefs and thoughts, setting it apart from any other country. United States citizens have the ability to choose the individuals who will dictate and determine the path for their future. This being one of America’s greatest attributes, having a democracy.

We are able to make our own choices and decisions. Waking up in the morning, we can choose our meals, and activities for the day. Every one of us has individual human rights that aren't dictated by a superior authority. Imagine several people being assigned a job, a routine, a dress code, or a meal plan when they get up in the morning. Every day, they are given a task that they must finish. They make the same amount of money and own the same attributes as everyone else. In America, people are allowed to choose a job or career that they are passionate about. In fact, people from other countries flock to the US to live the American dream. This dream being that hard work and determination lead to success. Without a democracy, citizens are faced with the challenge of earning higher pay for good work ethics. Our country is unique in that it is a democracy, meaning that we have the freedom to choose and decide who should be the leader of our country. Our nation established the system of checks and balances to ensure that no one has excessive power over others. This system assigns responsibilities, obligations, and a set of norms to every branch of government. It guarantees no branch has greater control than any other by distributing power equally across all of the branches.

Our democracy is dedicated to defending the liberties and rights of its citizens. The Bill of Rights, which guarantees us the freedom of expression, of religion, and the right to bear arms, has guaranteed our  country's inhabitants' enjoyment of their rights throughout history. We have the power as a community to speak up against injustice and to use our voice. We welcome change and the opportunity to improve as a nation. The constitution is open to new amendments and rules. An example of new changes can be voting rights, which have increased by our government since the 19th century. The US demonstrates its ability to adapt to shifting social norms and demographic trends, ensuring that democracy stays inclusive and representational of the people. The democratic system's greatest attributes in the United States are based on evolution, individual rights, protection, and checks and balances. As our fifth president once said, that democracy is “government of, by and for the people.” We, the people, retain our own rights, beliefs, and viewpoints; we have the ability to mold our own destiny, free from the force of others. I feel very lucky to be a part of a nation that represents the people and our opinions.

Mahmoud Hafez’s Essay

An attribute is a quality or characteristic that is a key part of something. In the United States, we enjoy the freedoms that Democracy brings, but specifically the attributes of choice, opportunity and free will, thanks to the sacrifices men and women in uniform have made for us. This can be seen in the lives of my family and friends, who exemplify these attributes.

One of my classmates decided to apply to the Air Force Academy. This choice might not be available to all, but in America, you have the option of following what interests you, whether it is military or civilian life. This connects to my older sister, who is presently in medical school, aiming to become a doctor. When it comes to choice, my sister used the opportunities available and first studied biomedical engineering, then decided to focus on becoming a medical doctor. Likewise, my older brother was interested in many fields but chose to select computer science, and follow his interest. These choices would not be possible if it wasn’t for those who gave their lives so that we might live ours.

In a different vein, our Democracy also offers unparalleled opportunity. Take my parents, for example. My father, an immigrant from Egypt, worked hard to grasp the opportunity to obtain a residency, then became a successful pediatrician. This shows the value in a country with a Democracy offering its people opportunity. My mother, also from Egypt, started life anew in America, and pursued her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. She earned her Master’s Degree, and now teaches first grade. She guides young children to be the best version of themselves, just as she and my father have done. If not for veterans protecting our freedoms, my own family’s opportunities would be limited. Instead, as a doctor and educator, my parents are playing out the attributes available in a Democracy. Sadly, an  estimated 53 percent of Americans, or more than half, report they are unhappy or dissatisfied at work. This increases to 85 percent of people worldwide dissatisfied at work, which is linked to a 1.5-1.9 percent increase in potential mental health issues.* If more people realized the opportunity they have in America to select what interests them, this dissatisfaction and health risk could decrease.

Another great attribute of life in a Democracy is having the free will to select one’s schools, college and lifestyle choices. A student can attend a public, private, parochial, or technical school; they can transfer colleges; they can switch majors; or decide which part of the country they reside in. The choices are endless. Would we have all these choices if veterans had not sacrificed for us? In America, educational experiences are varied, and I (as well as my three siblings) appreciate the free will a Democracy gives me, to decide which school and experiences will best benefit me.

In a Democracy, many great attributes exist. Three of them: choice, opportunity, and free will, have benefited my family and I firsthand and will positively impact our future. None of these would be possible without the sacrifice of veterans who allow us to live in a true Democracy.

*Forensic Technologies International consulting.com, named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Management Consulting Firms