Vets honored the ‘write’ way

Published 3:06 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008

The majority of today’s youngsters haven’t seen, felt or experienced

the casualties of war. In fact, most of their knowledge about past combats

comes from the history books that told of the triumphs and tragedies that were

tied to those times.

And even though five students from the Valley might not know

many veterans, they still respect and honor the sacrifices those soldiers made

long ago.

Xandy Evans, Bryce Wilson and Kyle Rawson of Snoqualmie

Elementary and Autum Dierking and Bethany Jackson of Snoqualmie Middle

School participated in Mount Si VFW Post 9476’s annual essay contest.

This year’s theme was “How Should We Honor America’s Veterans?”

“We were thrilled and pleased that these kids entered the contest

and placed at the district level, as well,” said Joyce Littlejohn, a member of

the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Two of the five essays were chosen to compete in the regional

competition, which included areas such as Renton, Auburn and Enumclaw.

At that conference, Evans placed second in her age level. Dierking’s essay

took top honors and will continue on to the state competition this month.

“I was shocked,” Dierking said.

“I didn’t think I would win because [I thought] there were a lot of

different essays, but only a few kids entered from each school.”

Dierking’s inspiration for her essay sprouted from an experience

she had at a Mariners’ game where she saw a homeless veteran holding a sign.

“It just kind of came to me and I wondered how to get the funding

and I thought that a lot of money goes to the government,” she said. So

that’s why she wrote that the state should set up programs for the veterans.

Evans said it would be nice to honor veterans with a patriotic

memorial at different locations around the city.

“At the nearest school or post office we should have a flag and

plaque that says, `This is to honor veterans for their great actions in the

`blank’ war,'” she said.

Evans said her idea probably wouldn’t materialize because

there would be a lot of disagreements in the community. But despite Evans’

apprehension, her family was very excited that she won the award.

“My family was happy for me, but they weren’t surprised,” she said.

“Because my teacher [Michael Crumb] told them I was a good writer.”