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Patriotic Essays — Honorable Mentions America, You Are Unique! By Mr. and Mrs. John W. Lemert, Red Bluff Under God, the majority of Ameri- cans believe we exist. The freedom to honor our God in one's own way is our fundamental right. Never can we give up our desire for all people to know our freedom. We stretch out our arms to other countries that their citizens may know the joy of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Individually, we cannot stand. Together, as a nation, we are indivisible. We learned this fact during the Civil War. We continue to review this lesson as we address new social issues every- day. Quietly or not, we stand together to keep our country strong. Whether we write letters, make telephone calls, attend meetings, or become part of protest or support gatherings, we stand together in our right to express our opin- ions. Unyielding in our search for human rights, we strive to improve our way of life and its many blessings for all mankind. We desire a way of life for all that includes basic human freedoms and dignity. Enthusiastic in showing our love of our country, we sing the "Star Spangled Banner." We salute our flag, we thank our military forces, and loudest of all, we sing, "God Bless America." Yes, America, you are UNIQUE! I’m proud to be an American By Cameron Lee, Sixth-grader, Maywood Middle School America is a free country because of the constitution. People have rights in America. A stranger doesn't come in and become the ruler of our country because he has big guns. No, they would have to be elected by the people of the United States. The president doesn't have the Page 8 power. Congress has the power. Two people from every state go into the sen- ate. They are called senators. The House of Representatives has many people and they represent people of each state, depending on that state's population. The Bill of Rights told us of our free- dom. America just didn't become a country. We had to fight for our rights. The Revolutionary War, in my opinion, is the most important war in our nation's history. We said, "No Kings!" and we fought Great Britain., from 1776 to 1787. That's eleven years! If we had lost this war, we wouldn't be here today. Now, today, there is a country trying to take our freedom away from us. That country is Iran. In every second that ticks by, we are at war. The army, air force, navy and marines are fighting for us. The next time you say the pledge of allegiance, think about our country. Think about the hardships. Think about your freedom. Think about how unique the USA really is. Aunique American Essay Pat Massie Johnston, Red Bluff Article 3 of the Bill of Rights is my favorite. This unique right and the Holy Bible hold no conflict between my faith and allegiance. Being a Christian and an American is a perfect fit. It reads: Congress shall make no law respect- ing the establishment of religion, or pro- hibiting the right there of. God does not force anyone to be a Christian. The choice is ours. In Ameri- ca, we have the right to be Islam, Bud- dhist, atheist or Christian and still be an American. God gives us the same right. We can choose to follow Him or our own way. Our choices may be wrong, but He still allows us to make choices to either our blessing or to bad conse- quences. Abridging the freedom of speech? Thank God for this right! Some will think my, at times over the top, con- demnation of political corruption is a vio- Friday, July 1, 2011 lation of this freedom. I would have to occasionally agree, as I am not a per- fect person. However, the Bible shows through its many prophet troublemak- ers, like Isaiah, Jeremiah and Jesus Christ, who was known to flip a table or two, railed against leaders when greed became more important than need of the People. And press The press carries a more weighty responsibility than other Americans, as telling the truth is their utmost duty to America. The consequences of lies by the press is evident from local councils to the Presidency. The press have the responsibility to be watchdogs of our government. However, like God, the Bill of Rights allows for false prophets and as a result, false reporting. Our country is suffering and it is our responsibility to determine whether to believe and sup- port those who lie repeatedly or those who tell the truth. The Bible helps me find truth. Or the right of the people to assem- ble? We think we have this right, until, you speak out against those in power, than watch you get threatened with arrest, your life and reputation destroyed. And petition the government to redress of grievances. Another sad fable, because of the failure of the press, there is no accountability in gov- ernment and no true ability to redress grievances. Government fights us every step of the way. The Bible tells us God will receive our grievances through Christ and He will deal harshly with those who fail to hear Him. Still, our country, state, city and county can not flourish as long as there is blatant fraud, perversion and corruption being prac- ticed by those in authority. Our Declaration of Independence and the Bible are in agreement, as they both hold that these truths be self-evi- dent that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by the Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among those are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. No matter what color our skin or polit- ical party; our sexuality or choices; whether Christian or Islam, all citizens are Americans and children of our Cre- ator. How we choose to uphold our alle- giance or our faith is the most beautiful freedom given. Doing the right thing with our faith or freedom will bring our country honor and God glory. Doing the wrong brings disgrace and dishonor. It’s up to the unique citizenry of America, which maps out America’s destiny. Thank God, our Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence, we have this unique and valuable freedom to choose. July Fourth Essay By Vickie Darnell, Corning What makes the United States of America unique? I thought about this question, as I planted flowers in my yard. Suddenly, I saw the answer! Across the street was my Hungarian neighbor, working in his yard, like me. He speaks limited English, but a smile and handshake are universal gestures of friendship and respect. Then, I said 'Hello' to my Egyptian neighbor, next door. The Hispanic woman, who lives next to the Egyptian, was outside with her Hispanic/African American adult children, who had come to visit her. Later on, the Hillbillies, who live next to the Hispanic woman (with the His- panic/African American adult children) drove by, with their country music blar- ing very loudly. The Hillbillies' rooster begins his crowing at 4.30 every morn- ing. At the end of the block is a Church of Christ Church, which I am certain no one on our block attends. So, there it is. The answer to the question of what makes the United States of America unique, is DIVERSI- TY. We respect one another. There are many American flags flying proudly on our block. Although the residents are diverse, we all bleed Red, White and True Blue. HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY to the greatest country in the world. God Speed to my son, who is serving some- where in Afghanistan (USMC). Love you Jess Bear... Red Bluff Daily News