What makes America great?

Holyoke High School students recently competed on the local level in the VFW Voice of Democracy competition. Speeches were written to answer the question, “What makes America great?” First place went to Haley Van Overbeke, second Max Kleve, third Michael Pell and fourth Erick Marroquin. Winners read their speeches during the Nov. 11 Veterans Day program, and the top two have been sent on to district competition.

Haley Van Overbeke, first place

Some of the most notable moments in history which have demonstrated perseverance and pure heart are seen in American actions. The United States has demonstrated consistent determination through many conflicts. The Revolutionary War, Pearl Harbor, and 9/11 are all examples of times America was tested and passed with flying colors when it came to rising above the destruction.

This is why America is great. Even when looked down upon and attacked mercilessly, the people step up. They do not despair; they bind together fueled with patriotism to destroy the common enemy. America is great because America knows how to get back up, again and again, each time a little stronger, a little faster, and a little more determined.

The date ... April 19, 1775, shots rang out in the towns of Concord and Lexington, Massachusetts, as British troops and militia men opened fire on colonists. The American Revolution had just begun, and America was being viewed by Great Britain as a splinter in their side, a small annoyance, a rebellious teenager that needed to “lose the attitude” as my parents would say. However, eight grueling years later and that small thorn was being recognized as a nation. The beginning of America’s independence was the beginning of this country’s greatness. Americans showed that when the odds are stacked against them they will persevere; they will not fall; they will not be silenced for they, we, are greater than that.

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Max Kleve, second place

Greatness can be defined as the quality of being distinguished or eminence. Those qualities run deep in the American tradition. Freedoms, laws, military, business and so many more things that are too numerous to list are what makes America great. But none of those would have ever come to fruition if it had not been for the men and women paving the way. Men and women in our country have exuded greatness from the moment our country was conceived as an idea by our forefathers. These people have shown dedication, drive and resilience.

Truly dedicated and full of grit is how I would describe those men who envisioned a country with the freedoms we have today. George Washington not only led our soldiers to defeat the British — but lead our country during its infancy as a nation. He built the country with the help of other patriots. But he knew when it was time to step down and let the next generation take the reins and lead us into the 19th century.

Many other great men followed in suit as presidents of the United States. Abraham Lincoln led our country during what could be considered one of the darkest times in our nation — as brother turned on brother and state on state. He led our country through the war between the states and helped us start to rebuild after we tore ourselves apart. He spoke to our country with such passion and devotion that he lifted up a generation to begin to pick up the pieces. We as a country needed to heal and come back together as Americans.

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Michael Pell, third place

As an American, what do you think is America’s best feature? I believe that America is full of wonders and in the next years to come America will grow and prosper, because America offers its citizens countless opportunities. America is most known for being the home of the free and the place for opportunity. America offers its patriotic citizens countless freedoms and the possibility to have bright futures making America the greatest country.

Within America’s Constitution, citizens have been given the right to let their voices and ideas be heard. These citizens may peacefully gather and help change America for the better good. The children of America are benefited greatly by being offered free public education. In school, children gain the opportunity to pursue the best possible future. Being the greatest country, America needs to be kept safe by the world’s most powerful military. Our patriotic citizens are given the ability to protect and serve our great country. The thing that makes America the greatest country it is today are the American people.

Throughout American history, we, the American people, have immensely benefited from the Constitution. In the United States Constitution, our First Amendment is the freedom of speech and press. Freedom of speech allows the united people the right to speak their thoughts without being prosecuted. American people can have peaceful debates with each other over their civil disputes. In our right to speak, we are lawfully protected by the Constitution, meaning we would not be legally charged for speaking our minds. The First Amendment is a great privilege in contrast to some foreign countries, where they are punished for speaking freely.

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Erick Marroquin, fourth place

What makes America great? Our unique businesses, our equality, our patriotism? These are some reasons as to why America is so great. Walk outside, what do you see? Restaurants, stores, gas stations. These are open and surrounding you because anyone can open their own business.

Now I want you to look at a person close to you. You both have the ability to go to school and vote for free, no matter the color of your skin, gender or race. Finally, I want you to look around your town. Do you see the American flag? Yes, of course you do. That’s because of the love that people have for this powerful country and the support they give.

The American dream is alive and well. People here can be successful if they put their minds to it. And America is a great place to do it. I have grown up around family owned businesses. My family took advantage of the freedom to be an entrepreneur and opened a restaurant. My mom started her own hair and nail salon. In this country everyone has the right to dream their dreams.

Not only can you open a business, you have no restriction on what kind of business you open. There are also loans and grants that the state will give you as a startup advantage. Being able to open up your own business is not the only great thing about this country, education is also free no matter who you are. Equal opportunity is one of the highlights of this country.

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