The Forks Amerian Legion Post #106 is pleased to announce this year’s recipient of the American Legion Scholarship is Emily Adams.

This year’s essay subject was “Americanism.” The Scholarship Committee had a tough choice to make as all of the essays were very good.

We’d like to thank all of the students who submitted applications and essays for this year’s scholarship.

Congratulations and well done, Emily.

Emily Adams

American Legion 106 Forks

“Americanism”

My family has always promoted Americanism. I have had many family members fight for our freedom for many generations. I had a relative who was an officer in the American Revolution, my great grandfather served in the Navy, and my grandfather served in the Vietnam War.

I have always been taught to honor the ones who fought and died for our country, the ones who enabled me to be free.

What is Americanism? I believe Americanism is on the inside of proud American citizens, who have honor, courage, leadership, and service to our country. These qualities improve our country and all of our lives. Americanism is not associated with race, gender, or ancestry. To be an American means to be a protector of our independence and our freedom.

Since the beginning of the United States of America, many wars have been fought to preserve our freedom and independence. Countless men and women continue to protect all of us each and every day. As American citizens, we need to support our military; vote for maintaining American rights, support equal justice and opportunity for everyone, and support our patriotic organizations. These organizations provide a multitude of services to our Veterans, such as life-changing assistance for veterans, military personnel and their families, and communities in thousands of ways every day around the world. Help comes in the form of personal assistance, grants, donations, disaster relief, labor, volunteering, advocacy, and many other services. These groups uphold and defend the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence clearly states “All men are created equal; they are endowed not by government, but by their Creator with certain unalienable rights”. Foremost among those rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We can all promote Americanism by not only having love of our country but the love for the citizens of the nation. It is standing up for views and ideas in favor of all. As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Above all, we must stand shoulder to shoulder, not asking as to the ancestry or creed of our comrades, but only demanding that they be in very truth, Americans, and that we all work together, heart, hand, and head for the honor and greatness of our common country.” I believe Americanism is improving our country; striving to ensure that we are living up to our pledge of liberty and justice for all. Adlai Stevenson once said “True patriotism is not manifested in short bursts of emotion; it is the tranquil, steady dedication of a lifetime.” Patriotism is the kind of motivation that motivates people to work hard for the progress of the entire nation.

Americanism must be shown in every action of all citizens. We all must be loyal, trustworthy, and honest in everything we do. As we are loyal, trustworthy, and honest with our family, we must also be that way with our country. A family that does not have these values tend to break apart as our country will do without these key principles. We must help those in need, volunteering our time, treasures and talents.

We must educate our children regarding the birth of our country and how to maintain that ideal.

Modern day patriotism is not just about sacrificing one’s life for the country, but it is also the responsibility of us all to act responsibly for the welfare of the nation and its citizens. It is not just to accept ideas, but also to educate yourself and take a stand for your own ideas and opinions. We can all promote patriotism in our day-to-day lives. Even the smallest deeds can have an enormous impact. Our country’s progress and growth depends on us all working together for the greater good.

I am very proud to be an American because I have freedom that many other nations do not have. I have the freedom of speech, religion, the press, and the right to vote. I can express my opinions on various subjects without the worry of being prosecuted, persecuted or even killed. I am proud to be an American because of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. I am proud to be an American and I will never forget the men and women who died for me and continue to safeguard us each and every day, protecting our rights and freedom. I will also personally take a stand, volunteer my time, be a loyal and trustworthy citizen, support our troops, pledge allegiance, and believe in one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.

Emily Adams