OSMOND — Winners in the American Legion Auxiliary essay contest have shared those essays, which will be printed here as space permits. The following is from the first-place winner in third and fourth grades — Raelynn Schieffer.
What Does ‘America The Beautiful’ Mean to Me?
What does “America the Beautiful” mean to me? “America the Beautiful” is a poem written by Katharine Lee Bates. It is a song that tells how awesome our country is.
It talks about the brotherhood of people, purple mountain majesties, and our number-on God. Also, the song honors our brave veterans. Veterans are heroes and they are brave.
One line from “America the Beautiful” states, “And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!”
This line means to me that men and women see each other as brothers and sisters as they serve in the military together.
Another important line in this poem says, "God shed His grace on thee.” This line means to me that God loves all of us the same. The military receives God’s mercy and grace when they are serving in the military.
It is important to honor and thank the veterans because they try to keep us safe, they give us freedoms, and they give us religious freedom. If it were not for the military, I would not be able to go to the church I go to, the school I go to, or I would not be able to live in the house that I live in today.
The military shows huge love and bravery towards the United States.
The poem, “America the Beautiful” talks about how awesome our country is and the honor we owe to our veterans.
— Raelynn Schieffer
