The Voice of Democracy (VOD) program, organized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), provides high school students with an opportunity to express their views on democracy through audio-essay submissions.
Each year, students are tasked with writing essays based on a specific theme related to democratic principles and values.
Below, we explore several examples of essays that exemplify the spirit and objectives of the VOD program.
Voice of Democracy Example Essays
1. Gina Barry’s Winning Essay
Gina Barry’s essay emphasizes the fundamental attributes of democracy, highlighting key principles such as freedom, equality, and human rights.
- Key Points:
- Freedom: Barry discusses how democracy empowers citizens to express their thoughts and beliefs without fear. She notes that voting is a critical mechanism through which citizens can influence government decisions.
- Human Rights: The essay underscores the importance of protecting basic human rights within a democratic framework, advocating for a peaceful environment where discrimination is challenged.
“Democracy provides a safe, peaceful environment for us. It protects us from discrimination and combats injustice.”
2. Kiara Byrnes’s Insightful Perspective
Kiara Byrnes’ essay reflects on the evolution of democracy in the United States, tracing its roots back to the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence.
- Key Points:
- Historical Context: Byrnes connects the current democratic system to its historical foundations, emphasizing the role of citizens in shaping government through elected representatives.
- Adaptability: She highlights how democracy has evolved to include more voices over time, particularly in relation to voting rights.
“The United States grants its citizens the freedom to freely express their beliefs and thoughts, setting it apart from any other country.”
3. Jacob Kloepper’s Reflection on Rights
Jacob Kloepper’s essay focuses on the significance of individual rights within a democratic society.
- Key Points:
- Bill of Rights: Kloepper discusses how the Bill of Rights safeguards essential freedoms such as speech and religion.
- Collective Responsibility: He emphasizes that democracy is not just about individual rights but also about collective action to uphold those rights against injustice.
“We have the power as a community to speak up against injustice and to use our voice.”
Themes in Voice of Democracy Essays
- Freedom and Expression
- Many essays highlight freedom as a cornerstone of democracy, emphasizing how it allows individuals to express themselves openly.
- Historical Significance
- Students often reflect on historical events that shaped democratic principles, connecting past struggles for rights with contemporary issues.
- Collective Responsibility
- A recurring theme is the idea that democracy requires active participation from all citizens to protect and promote shared values.
Key Takeaways
- The Voice of Democracy program encourages students to engage with democratic ideals critically.
- Essays often reflect personal connections to themes of freedom, equality, and civic responsibility.
- Participants gain valuable skills in public speaking and critical thinking through their involvement in this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Voice of Democracy program?
A: The Voice of Democracy is an annual audio-essay competition organized by the VFW for high school students to express their views on themes related to democracy.
Q: How do students participate?
A: Students write essays based on a yearly theme and record them as audio submissions for evaluation by judges.
Q: What are some common themes explored in these essays?
A: Common themes include freedom, historical context of democracy, individual rights, and collective responsibility in civic engagement.
By participating in the Voice of Democracy program, students not only articulate their views on important democratic values but also contribute to ongoing discussions about what it means to live in a democratic society.
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