VFW Voice of Democracy 2023-2024
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Established in 1947. The annual Brainerd VFW Voice of Democracy competition is for students in grades 9 - 12 living within 50 miles of Brainerd, Minnesota. It is a 3 to 5 minute written and spoken essay. Judging is based on originality, content and delivery. Local prizes are $200, $250, and $300. Nationally $35,000. |
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American Journalist Charles Kuralt was once a winner of the VFW's Voice of Democracy competition when he was a young man.
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March 4, 2024: Sophia Lin from Scottsdale, Arizona, became the first-place national winner of the 2023 - 2024 VFW Voice of Democracy competition. Her prize was a $35,000 scholarship check. The award was given at the 2024 VFW Conference in Washington, D.C.
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Minnesota VFW first place winner Lydia Prout January 13, 2024.
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January 13, 2024: Lydia Prout, a Junior at Melrose Area High School, was the first-place winner of the 2023-2024 Minnesota VFW Voice of Democracy competition. She received $3000 in prize money. The video is from the Minnesota Midwinter Conference. She went on to take third place nationally for $15,000.
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What are the Greatest Attributes of our Democracy?
Picture… fireworks on the Fourth of July. The day that we celebrate our independence, these pyrotechnical wonders launch, shine, and then they’re gone, the ashes scattered to the wind. One bright burst of patriotism, and then we return to our repetitive circadian rhythms. But our democracy is so much more than fireworks. Beneath all the sparkle of titles, medals and politics, democracy burns bright through the toughest times, its torch held high by our veterans, lit by the sacrifices they have made. Since its formation, America has undergone trials both internal and external, from the Civil War to the Cold War. But always, no matter our politics, Americans burn with a fierce passion to protect our way of government. So let’s light up some of democracy’s greatest attributes.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Democracy as: a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them through a system of representation. In other words, a government created by the people, for the people. Everyone's voice is heard; or at least, they’re supposed to be. As much as we like to believe that everyone is granted equal representation, unfortunately that is not the case. Some voices get unnecessarily loud, and some are drowned out. But the more people who participate in democracy, the more we encourage voting, the more equal it becomes. Our democracy is ever evolving into a ‘more perfect union’, and it is our responsibility as citizens to ensure that union.
So, now that we’ve lit the fuse by defining democracy and establishing its purpose, let’s launch into why ours is so important.
America is one of the oldest and largest living democracies. Because of this, it’s also highly developed, tried, and true. And one of our greatest strengths is our diversity. We have been dubbed a ‘salad bowl’--a cultural mosaic. Many different cultures and ethnicities have been tossed together throughout our history to form the rich, diverse, multicultural society that we live in today. Our government represents thousands of people and thousands of ways of life, and that diversity makes us powerful. Women and people of minority backgrounds are rising up to take office, to be represented, and to be heard; from Martin Luther King Jr. to Ruth Bater Ginsburg. The more we can allow this to flourish, the more empathy we build as a nation and the more empowered all of us become.
Now let’s illuminate in a burst of color what is arguably the most important thing about our democracy.
This particular facet is deceivingly simple, and something that many Americans, including myself, often take for granted, our freedom of choice. We all have choices. We all make them, whether good or bad, and they are the ones we live with. But to have as much freedom as we do in this country is rare in the corrupted world we live in today. Our freedom that is paid for every day by the sacrifices made by our men and women in the armed forces-- our veterans. And we must not allow ourselves to forget the privilege they have given us to express ourselves, to worship as we choose, to vote, and to be who we want to be. They have endowed us with choice.
Individually, we are all so different and so unique. But still we are unified by a fire that blazes in all of us. We are one people. One nation. One democracy. Today, we lit the fuse by defining democracy as a government by the people, for the people. Then, we launched into why our differences are one of our greatest strengths. And finally, we illuminated the privilege of choices, and the sacrifices made for us to have them. There are many aspects that make our nation great, and still there are areas we can improve. But we are not fireworks-- short and passing with a legacy of ash. No, we are a blazing forge, a flame that does not waver with the strongest wind. Democracy may flicker, but it will never burn out.
Picture… fireworks on the Fourth of July. The day that we celebrate our independence, these pyrotechnical wonders launch, shine, and then they’re gone, the ashes scattered to the wind. One bright burst of patriotism, and then we return to our repetitive circadian rhythms. But our democracy is so much more than fireworks. Beneath all the sparkle of titles, medals and politics, democracy burns bright through the toughest times, its torch held high by our veterans, lit by the sacrifices they have made. Since its formation, America has undergone trials both internal and external, from the Civil War to the Cold War. But always, no matter our politics, Americans burn with a fierce passion to protect our way of government. So let’s light up some of democracy’s greatest attributes.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Democracy as: a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them through a system of representation. In other words, a government created by the people, for the people. Everyone's voice is heard; or at least, they’re supposed to be. As much as we like to believe that everyone is granted equal representation, unfortunately that is not the case. Some voices get unnecessarily loud, and some are drowned out. But the more people who participate in democracy, the more we encourage voting, the more equal it becomes. Our democracy is ever evolving into a ‘more perfect union’, and it is our responsibility as citizens to ensure that union.
So, now that we’ve lit the fuse by defining democracy and establishing its purpose, let’s launch into why ours is so important.
America is one of the oldest and largest living democracies. Because of this, it’s also highly developed, tried, and true. And one of our greatest strengths is our diversity. We have been dubbed a ‘salad bowl’--a cultural mosaic. Many different cultures and ethnicities have been tossed together throughout our history to form the rich, diverse, multicultural society that we live in today. Our government represents thousands of people and thousands of ways of life, and that diversity makes us powerful. Women and people of minority backgrounds are rising up to take office, to be represented, and to be heard; from Martin Luther King Jr. to Ruth Bater Ginsburg. The more we can allow this to flourish, the more empathy we build as a nation and the more empowered all of us become.
Now let’s illuminate in a burst of color what is arguably the most important thing about our democracy.
This particular facet is deceivingly simple, and something that many Americans, including myself, often take for granted, our freedom of choice. We all have choices. We all make them, whether good or bad, and they are the ones we live with. But to have as much freedom as we do in this country is rare in the corrupted world we live in today. Our freedom that is paid for every day by the sacrifices made by our men and women in the armed forces-- our veterans. And we must not allow ourselves to forget the privilege they have given us to express ourselves, to worship as we choose, to vote, and to be who we want to be. They have endowed us with choice.
Individually, we are all so different and so unique. But still we are unified by a fire that blazes in all of us. We are one people. One nation. One democracy. Today, we lit the fuse by defining democracy as a government by the people, for the people. Then, we launched into why our differences are one of our greatest strengths. And finally, we illuminated the privilege of choices, and the sacrifices made for us to have them. There are many aspects that make our nation great, and still there are areas we can improve. But we are not fireworks-- short and passing with a legacy of ash. No, we are a blazing forge, a flame that does not waver with the strongest wind. Democracy may flicker, but it will never burn out.
Brainerd VFW: 2023-2024 competition theme was, "What are the greatest attributes of our democracy?" The entry deadline was October 31, 2023.
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Jagger Klecatsky from East Gull Lake, MN, was the first-place winner with a $300 prize from the Brainerd VFW. He is an 11th grader at the Brainerd High School. Hear his winning speech.
The award ceremony was Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the Brainerd VFW.
Jagger took second place in Sixth District competition. |
Jagger Klecatsky
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Democracy is the backbone of our country, and it binds every aspect of our day-to-day lives. It has allowed us to prevail when others have faltered, like the outcome of the clash with the communist-run USSR during the Cold War. While innumerable characteristics of our democracy aid in ranking it among the best in the world, one must ask: Which great attributes of our democracy have shaped our nation into the beautiful place it is today? Although this question poses infinite answers, it is evident that the fluid and evolving nature of our democracy, the creation of our democracy on the backs of our veterans and hearing every American’s voice at each level of our democracy all play a crucial role in this country’s present and future.
Our democracy is an ever-changing entity, adapting to the advances and changes in the world to provide constant and continuous success for the United States and the citizens within it. An integral part of our democracy is the ability to create amendments that shape our country into its best form. Beginning with the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, our country is constantly moving towards creating an even greater nation. Various amendments have had unprecedented positive effects on the place we call home; the First Amendment protects the ability to speak freely, express one’s true feelings without fear of persecution, and assemble and petition for what we believe is right; the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery, brought the freedoms we enjoy to this day to every person in the union; the Nineteenth Amendment gave women the right to vote, thus introducing a new, fresh perspective into otherwise male-dominated realms of government. Each amendment is a steppingstone toward prosperity for our country. Even presently, citizens newly reaching the voting age provide a look into the brains of the younger generations. Consistent and frequent elections permit more unity and cooperation among opposing political parties due to periodic power shifts between them. Our democracy is strengthened by these elections staying free and fair, thus preventing corruption or exclusion of specific groups in government.
Over 200 years ago, our Veterans, our warriors, fought for our right to live in this incredible democracy. Veterans in the Revolutionary War eliminated oppressive British rule and unfair taxes, gifting freedom to our country. Our forefathers felt compelled to create a superior governmental system, even better than the Brits could conjure. Placing Veterans at the core of our democracy upholds a national identity that honors them. The desire to fight for those who have fought for us creates a drive held by Americans to preserve our democracy. Our country and the democracy that controls it were built to last, illustrated by their meticulous construction.
Ultimately, whether you reside in a state as small as Rhode Island or as large as Texas, your voice is heard. Our democracy in the United States of America is inclusive; it wishes not to bury your voice under louder ones but to create equality for all Americans so we can progress together. Our democracy allows us to listen to each other and understand and address issues nationwide. When we unite for a discussion, it promotes collaboration among opposing political parties. Almost all bills passed in recent years were done so with bipartisan support, demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperation. Working together toward a common goal ensures every citizen continues pursuing life, liberty, and happiness.
Local democracies provide specific and relevant action toward the needs of regional communities, such as cities, towns, or even neighborhoods. These democracies feel less distant to citizens than our nationwide government, thus permitting the developments they make to be felt more closely by the people they influence. Allowing Americans to freely express their views or ideas at each level of our democracy has created an advanced system that integrates every citizen's participation.
Countless significant events and decisions of the past have allowed us to bask in the glory of democracy today. Learning about what makes our democracy great only aids in making it more powerful. Understanding the ever-changing nature and history of our democracy and appreciating the freedoms it provides to us is crucial in preserving our country moving forward.
Our democracy is an ever-changing entity, adapting to the advances and changes in the world to provide constant and continuous success for the United States and the citizens within it. An integral part of our democracy is the ability to create amendments that shape our country into its best form. Beginning with the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, our country is constantly moving towards creating an even greater nation. Various amendments have had unprecedented positive effects on the place we call home; the First Amendment protects the ability to speak freely, express one’s true feelings without fear of persecution, and assemble and petition for what we believe is right; the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery, brought the freedoms we enjoy to this day to every person in the union; the Nineteenth Amendment gave women the right to vote, thus introducing a new, fresh perspective into otherwise male-dominated realms of government. Each amendment is a steppingstone toward prosperity for our country. Even presently, citizens newly reaching the voting age provide a look into the brains of the younger generations. Consistent and frequent elections permit more unity and cooperation among opposing political parties due to periodic power shifts between them. Our democracy is strengthened by these elections staying free and fair, thus preventing corruption or exclusion of specific groups in government.
Over 200 years ago, our Veterans, our warriors, fought for our right to live in this incredible democracy. Veterans in the Revolutionary War eliminated oppressive British rule and unfair taxes, gifting freedom to our country. Our forefathers felt compelled to create a superior governmental system, even better than the Brits could conjure. Placing Veterans at the core of our democracy upholds a national identity that honors them. The desire to fight for those who have fought for us creates a drive held by Americans to preserve our democracy. Our country and the democracy that controls it were built to last, illustrated by their meticulous construction.
Ultimately, whether you reside in a state as small as Rhode Island or as large as Texas, your voice is heard. Our democracy in the United States of America is inclusive; it wishes not to bury your voice under louder ones but to create equality for all Americans so we can progress together. Our democracy allows us to listen to each other and understand and address issues nationwide. When we unite for a discussion, it promotes collaboration among opposing political parties. Almost all bills passed in recent years were done so with bipartisan support, demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperation. Working together toward a common goal ensures every citizen continues pursuing life, liberty, and happiness.
Local democracies provide specific and relevant action toward the needs of regional communities, such as cities, towns, or even neighborhoods. These democracies feel less distant to citizens than our nationwide government, thus permitting the developments they make to be felt more closely by the people they influence. Allowing Americans to freely express their views or ideas at each level of our democracy has created an advanced system that integrates every citizen's participation.
Countless significant events and decisions of the past have allowed us to bask in the glory of democracy today. Learning about what makes our democracy great only aids in making it more powerful. Understanding the ever-changing nature and history of our democracy and appreciating the freedoms it provides to us is crucial in preserving our country moving forward.
Second place winner Craig Coonan, $250
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Third place, Isabell Bednarek, $200
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October 3, 2023: (l-r) B93 FM radio personality Bill Satre with Brainerd VFW members Jeff McArthur and Mark Persons. They recorded an interview for airing on KUAL-FM Radio at 5 pm on this day and again on KBLB/B93 FM Radio in Brainerd on October 4th at 9:30 am. They talked about the VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen competitions.
2022-2023 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
2021-2022 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
2020-2021 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
2019-2020 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
2018-2019 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
2017-2018 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
2016-2017 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
2015-2016 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
2021-2022 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
2020-2021 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
2019-2020 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
2018-2019 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
2017-2018 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
2016-2017 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
2015-2016 VFW Voice of Democracy National Winner
4th and 5th graders participate in the Essay Competition
Students in grades 6 - 8 competed in the Patriot's Pen competition
Scouts K-12 compete for Scout of the Year
Students in grades 6 - 8 competed in the Patriot's Pen competition
Scouts K-12 compete for Scout of the Year
