Street Smart

This past December, the Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge sponsored an “Americanism Essay” contest for students in Sanders County. Student contestants were given the topic, “How Can Patriotism Be Demonstrated?” Then they were tasked with completing a short essay. The top three contestants in two grade categories would be awarded monetary prizes.

I recently had the privilege of reading the winning essays (I’m sure glad I wasn’t a judge. All six were great!). In a time when our country is so divided, it was truly encouraging to read what these young people had to say. Reading these student’s thoughts on patriotism gave me hope for the future.

Each writer mentioned respect for veterans and active military. Also discussed was respect for and care of our flag along with reverence for our national anthem. A reader would think those two topics as somewhat obvious when discussing patriotism. However, what was striking was the passion that came through in virtually every essay I read. It was clear that each of the winning students gave the topic a great deal of consideration. I read a few ideas that really demonstrated the amount of thought and effort put into the essays. For example, one student mentioned the fact that voting is an excellent way to demonstrate patriotism. I’d never looked at voting as a ‘patriotic act’ but this student was right. Another student mentioned participating in a peaceful demonstration as a patriotic act. Again, I never looked at demonstrations that way. However, after considering this student’s point of view (and the way it was expressed), he too is right. Reading those essays was an enlightening honor.

Congratulations to the students. You really made an impression with your writing.

5th and 6th Grade

First place - Marley Neesvig, Thompson Falls

Second place - Tyler Smith, Thompson Falls

Third place - Shane Hatchel, Noxon

7th and 8th

First place - Samuel Burgress, Noxon

Second place - Braedon Ferris, Thompson Falls

Third place - Lucy Foyil, Thompson Falls

Since I’m talking about patriotism, I’d like to publicly thank and acknowledge the ladies from the Plains VFW Post 3596 Auxiliary. I have three grandchildren who all joined the military in 2019; one in the Marines and two in the Air Force. The first year for each of them was tough and, at times, overwhelming. For each, it was the first time they’d been away from home and family for any extended period. Each, at different times, became quite homesick. In December, the VFW Auxiliary mailed care packages to each of my grandchildren as part of their “Goody Boxes For Service Personnel’’ program. I can’t express how much each of them appreciated receiving those packages! It let them know that others besides family were thinking about them and appreciated their service. Receiving those “goody boxes’’ made a difference, and getting them during the holiday season was especially meaningful to them. I’d ask everyone to watch for fliers or ads regarding any VFW fundraisers and do whatever you can to support their efforts. The ladies volunteer their time and energy to support our troops and rely on fundraisers/donations from the community. We should do all we can to support them. Again, thank you ladies from the Plains VFW Post 3596 Auxiliary. Your efforts made a difference!

Right now, our country is terribly divided. I believe we’ve lost sight of the fact that we, as citizens of this great nation, have so much to be thankful for and proud of. We should all embrace that truth and live it as those mentioned above have done.

Blaine Blackstone is a retired Los Angeles Police Sergeant who enjoys the simpler life in Thompson Falls. He can be reached by email at [email protected].

The winning essays are published online at http://www.scledger.net.