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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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.
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Congratulations to Scotland Stewart from Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tennessee. He received a $30,000 scholarship for his 2022 - 2023 Voice of Democracy entry.
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The theme for the 2022-2023 competition was "Why is the Veteran Important."
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Siri Corson, from Fillmore Central High School in Harmony, MN, was the first-place 2022-2023 state winner. She received $2000 at the Minnesota Midwinter Convention. Siri also took second place in national VFW competition for a $21,000 scholarship.
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November 3, 2022: Craig Coonan of Brainerd was the 2022 - 2023 first place $300 winner in the annual Brainerd VFW Voice of Democracy competition. Craig is in 10th grade at Brainerd High School. Some of his relatives were in the military and he plans to join the U. S. Marines after graduation.
Craig Coonan
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Craig Coonan
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Why Is the Veteran Important?
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Five times a day, every single day, there are people six thousand miles away who pray to their God for the destruction of the people of the United States of America. They do not care what you think, they do not care what you believe, they do not care if you have families or friends, they do not care if you are Christian or Jew, Hindu or Buddhist, they do not care if you are tall or short, black or white, democrat or republican, man or women, they do not care.
Brave is too insignificant a word to describe the men and women who have fought these people face to face. Who have dared to enlist, fight, and die for our safety and freedom. These courageous people are in our midst. They have taken shrapnel, and bullets, they have been burned and have broken bones, and they have sustained injuries you cannot even imagine. They have served for you. They have fought for you. They have died for you. This is why the veterans of the United States of America matter. This is why we need to honor them. They are the ones who maintain your freedom. Your freedom to speak. Your freedom to write. Your freedom to believe and to do what you want.
Bravery and sacrifice are at the core of all of our veterans. They have fought through the fields and cities of France and Germany, the jungles of Vietnam and South America, the deserts of Africa and Kuwait, the mountains of Afghanistan, the skies above, and the seas below. They have sniped and stabbed, they have thrown grenades and kicked in doors, they have dug trenches and launched mortars, they have interrogated and planned, some have been taken hostage and some have been executed, and some, have not returned. This is bravery, knowing hell is yet to come, and still joining the ranks with the bravest people in the United States. These are our grandparents, our aunts, our uncles, our mothers, our fathers, our brothers, and our sisters. These are the people that deserve our everlasting love, respect, and most of all, our gratitude. They sacrificed so much fighting for us. They left their beautiful country, their friends, their families, and their children, to go fight for us, knowing full well they may never return home alive. They have lost so much more than we can ever imagine. They have lost friends, mentors, leaders, arms, and legs. They have gained memories that haunt their every thought. They sacrificed these, for us.
All of our veterans, whether they served in the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, the National Guard, or the Space Force, whether they shot a gun or filled in paperwork, whether they drove tanks or flew drones, whether they fixed helicopters or designed bombs, whether they deployed or were in the reserves, whether they were drafted or they joined of their own free will, we will be forever grateful for their service to their country. They have fought for all the freedoms, rights, and liberties that we take for granted, but let us never forget those whose lives were lost, a sacrifice to this great country.
As Lee Greenwood said, "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me."
Brave is too insignificant a word to describe the men and women who have fought these people face to face. Who have dared to enlist, fight, and die for our safety and freedom. These courageous people are in our midst. They have taken shrapnel, and bullets, they have been burned and have broken bones, and they have sustained injuries you cannot even imagine. They have served for you. They have fought for you. They have died for you. This is why the veterans of the United States of America matter. This is why we need to honor them. They are the ones who maintain your freedom. Your freedom to speak. Your freedom to write. Your freedom to believe and to do what you want.
Bravery and sacrifice are at the core of all of our veterans. They have fought through the fields and cities of France and Germany, the jungles of Vietnam and South America, the deserts of Africa and Kuwait, the mountains of Afghanistan, the skies above, and the seas below. They have sniped and stabbed, they have thrown grenades and kicked in doors, they have dug trenches and launched mortars, they have interrogated and planned, some have been taken hostage and some have been executed, and some, have not returned. This is bravery, knowing hell is yet to come, and still joining the ranks with the bravest people in the United States. These are our grandparents, our aunts, our uncles, our mothers, our fathers, our brothers, and our sisters. These are the people that deserve our everlasting love, respect, and most of all, our gratitude. They sacrificed so much fighting for us. They left their beautiful country, their friends, their families, and their children, to go fight for us, knowing full well they may never return home alive. They have lost so much more than we can ever imagine. They have lost friends, mentors, leaders, arms, and legs. They have gained memories that haunt their every thought. They sacrificed these, for us.
All of our veterans, whether they served in the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, the National Guard, or the Space Force, whether they shot a gun or filled in paperwork, whether they drove tanks or flew drones, whether they fixed helicopters or designed bombs, whether they deployed or were in the reserves, whether they were drafted or they joined of their own free will, we will be forever grateful for their service to their country. They have fought for all the freedoms, rights, and liberties that we take for granted, but let us never forget those whose lives were lost, a sacrifice to this great country.
As Lee Greenwood said, "I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me."
Jagger Klecatsky
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November 3, 2022: Jagger Klecatsky of East Gull Lake took second place in Brainerd VFW competition for $250. Jagger is a 10th grader at the Brainerd High School.
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November 3, 2022: Haleyrose Blowers from Motley, MN, is the third-place winner in Brainerd VFW competition for $200. Haleyrose is a 9th grader at the Pillager High School.
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November 3, 2022: An Honorable Mention, at the Brainerd VFW, goes to Argenis Knight Solorzano of Deerwood. He is in 12th grade at the Crosby-Ironton High School.
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(l-r) Danny Wild and Mac interviewing Mark Persons on KLIZ-FM Radio on 09/23/2022
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2021-2022: VFW National winner Daniela Mare from Lake Ronokonkoma, New York.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx7JItRJoEo |
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2021-2022 Theme: America: Where do we go from here?
Minnesota state winner Ashley Homme from Rochester, MN. |
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Brainerd VFW 2021 - 2022 winners: |
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9th grader Jagger Klecatsky, East Gull Lake, MN
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November 8, 2021, The Brainerd VFW 2021-2022 Voice of Democracy competition first place winner, Jagger Klecatsky. $300.00. His speech: As cities, states, the country, and the people, we must become more unified. In America, we must learn to work together, be more inclusive, focus on the well-being of the citizens, and be open-minded. Only this way, can we continue to be successful.
Firstly, we must learn to work together. The opposing parties in America, the democrats and the republicans, cause the country to be divided. Only when these opposing parties begin to work together, can we start making the necessary progress to unify this country. We must take the goals of either party and unite them to make collaborative goals. This will keep everyone on the same track. It is also important to agree on a course of action before acting in a situation. Choosing a plan of action that everyone is in agreeance with will make a beneficial outcome more likely. With all of this collaboration, it is likely for society to begin to move forward.
Secondly, our society must become more inclusive. It is important for everyone in our country to feel a sense of belonging. I believe that being inclusive to all genders, not exclusively males and females, will heighten the feeling of belonging in this country. It is also extremely important to stop racial discrimination in America. We must stand as one nation, as stated in the pledge of allegiance, not discriminating against people of Asian or African descent, but standing as Americans. We must be accepting of all people regardless of sexual preference, and move forward as a country.
Thirdly, we must focus on the well-being of the citizens. America is only as good as the people within it. This means it is important to provide the citizens with adequate food, water, and health care. When people have what they need, they are better equipped to do their part in making the country the best that it can be. A healthier population will make society more productive and economically efficient. Providing the best quality of life for the American people is crucial in unifying and advancing the nation.
Finally, our country must become more open-minded. We will make astounding progress if we look at issues from all angles so we can make the most beneficial decisions. Society must become willing to try non-conventional ideas or ideas that are not guaranteed to work, as these can often be the ideas that result in success. As a society, we must treat the opinions of everyone equally so that the best and most effective solutions can be found. When we are open-minded, solutions to problems will become visible, which will greatly benefit the country.
When the country becomes more unified by working together, being more inclusive, focusing on the well-being of the citizens, and being open-minded, we can move forward as one. This will make America a better place for everyone to live in, and cause success to be certain.
Sydney Roberts, Crosby, MN
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Madeleine Archer, Baxter, MN
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November 8, 2021, The Brainerd VFW 2021-2022 Voice of Democracy competition second place winner. $250.00
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November 8, 2021, The Brainerd VFW 2021-2022 Voice of Democracy competition third place winner, $200.00.
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Erin Stoeckig
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April 1, 2021: Erin Stoeckig of Rochester, Minnesota, was the first place winner in the national 2020-2021 VFW Voice of Democracy competition. The theme was "Is This the Country our Founders Envisioned?" Her prize was a $30,000 scholarship. More information.
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Erin's parents and VFW National Commander Hal Roesch.
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Erin Stoeckig gave her winning entry at Soldiers Field Veteran Memorial in Rochester, MN.
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2019-2020 Brainerd VFW Voice of Democracy Competition. The theme was, "What Makes America Great." Johnathan Berry, a 12th grade student at Brainerd High School, was the first place winner. He received a check for $300 and a certificate of accomplishment from the Brainerd VFW. Johnathan's entry also took third place in Minnesota VFW 6th District competition. His script and audio are below:
For weeks I pondered the question “What Makes America Great?”, The question asked here can be interpreted in so many ways and the vast amount of answers that can be presented is never ending, but I continued to funnel it through over and over again in my head, revisiting the question over and over again and the thing I began to realize is the easiest thing we begin to do as a society is neglect the many blessings our glorious country provides us with and how we continually take each and every one of those blessings for granted, believing we have nothing in life, but in reality the situation presented to us as citizens of the United States is great. As part of the youth of America, I find it especially important that we are granted a voice in justice and social issues and can stand up to make a drastic change in the nation which is given to us through our very first right in the Constitutional amendments. The government we have that functions through democracy allows us many rights that can be overlooked as well such as our amendments, our right to vote, the ability to voice our demands as a population, all these things allowed by our democracy-based government. I believe though that the 27 amendments that are given to us as citizens are the greatest things to ever come about in America because not only do they tackle many social issues and discriminative issues we have had in our nation’s history, but it provides us with many freedoms that can be prohibited in many other countries such as women’s rights, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and that is to just name a few. Not only has America in itself provided me with a voice to speak my concerns on social and unconstitutional issues it has provided me with basic benefits that make my life safer, easier, and better such as public education, healthcare, and even simple everyday household things such as heating, running water, and electricity. All things that seem so frequent and easily accessible that I sometimes don’t even realize that there are people in this world that live with none of these things and it can truly make a person count their blessings. America is also made great through the amount of opportunities it provides people to form their own successful ideas and businesses and allows peoples dreams to actually become reality. The possibilities of business opportunities are endless and with the amount of free advertising you can generate on your own through social media, it has never been possible in any other generation of people, it opens a whole new door for entrepreneurs in America to create and expand for their business. Seeing a wide variety of business possibilities not only makes the dream of success a possibility, it also makes it extremely easy. Basically what this question boils down to would be “What doesn’t make America great?” because when we have so many positives in our country and all of this greatness we should be looking at the bigger picture and asking ourselves, “Okay, what can we do next to improve our country?” and I think that is the best thing we can do for not only ourselves, but America as well.
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Johnathan went on to win third place in the Minnesota Sixth District competition. He received an award and $100.
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Keenan Hodge of Baxter, a 12th grader at Brainerd Senior High, was the second place winner this year. Received a $200 check and a certificate.
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Brandon Nims of Sebeka, MN, was declared Minnesota's 6th District 2019-2020 Voice of Democracy winner.
Ceremonies were held at the Minnesota VFW Mid-Winter Conference in Minneapolis on January 18, 2020. |
Elizabeth Link of Inver Grove Heights, MN, was named the 2019-2020 Minnesota VFW Voice of Democracy winner. The theme was, "What Makes America Great."
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
