It's late April, 1775. Tensions hang thick in the 13 American colonies. A rowdy bunch of
patriots in New England, outraged over exorbitant taxation without representation and the
infringement of their personal liberties, are girding for battle against the world's premier military superpower: Great Britain. They ultimately yearned for every citizen, not just a monarch, to benefit the colonies through dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism, and they would wage war to achieve it. The two foes met in Lexington, ready to either protect the Crown or halt tyranny. Then, a shot pierced the air, launching the birth of a new nation: the United States of America. Over the next 246 years, America would come to be admired for its transformatory government led by the people and its involved political system where all citizens -- guided by dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism-could advance the nation.
In America, dependable citizens are entrusted to bolster the welfare of their nation.
Through engaging in their civic duties, dependable citizens can sway policy and ensure that only morally just laws as well as politicians enter the political scene. Dependable citizens are also relied upon to care for their community by tending to their families as well as advancing the plight of the elderly, sick, and poor. In this way, dependable Americans - known for our
welcoming attitude towards all backgrounds and our progressive campaigns for social equality support the physical and emotional well-being of all our neighbors.
In America, citizens who selflessly sacrifice their own pursuits in the interest of serving
the nation spread American ideals of peace, liberty, and safety abroad and at home. On a large scale, risking life and limb to serve in American conflicts, support the nation by spreading American values of peace and freedom across the globe. But even community-level acts of service - such as working in soup kitchens or food banks to assist the poor, or donating blood, or even pledging to economically serve American businesses through initiatives to "buy American," - support the nation, for serving just one person physically or financially can spur a chain reaction of good deeds and assist the entire world.
In America, citizens who lead others with an upright zeal support the nation through
paying their knowledge forward. Leaders, whether in the government, military, or our
communities, take their own experience to distribute to others, effectively paying their
knowledge forward to successfully delegate tasks and advance the American causes of equality and peace.
In America, patriotic citizens who put first America, rather than themselves, inspire unity
and work to benefit the entire nation. These American-oriented citizens break down the barriers that stand between us and recognize our common American links to ensure that mutually beneficial legislation and leaders assume precedence in our political system. Their patriotism fosters a love for our common history and values, ultimately aiming to advance each American's situation in life.
The American colonists understood the dire consequences of their retaliatory actions, but
even the threat of death was not significant enough to stifle their cause. Instead, they continued to fight for America because their hope of a better world, where every dependable, serving, leading, and patriotic citizen can make a difference, compelled them forward. Today, even 246 years later, it is certain that our forefathers' dreams have been recognized.
Elizabeth Pfisterer, Gettysburg Chapter Good Citizens first-place winner