Alva Review-Courier -

Lindsey McKean is an eighth grader at South Barber and the winner of the annual Patriot's Pen contest. Her teacher Danielle Jewell requires the eighth graders to write an essay for the VFW Patriot's Pen contest. The winner delivers their speech at South Barber's Veterans Day program. The theme of the essay contest this year is "How am I Inspired by America?" Lindsey's mother is Rachel A. McKean whose boyfriend is Matthew S. Bradley, and her father is Kenneth A. McKean.

Lindsey's essay follows.

"How am I Inspired by America?"

"How am I Inspired by America? To be inspired means to feel like everything is possible and to have a desire to do good in this world. One person in American history who inspires me is John Basilone, a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, who first served in the United States Army. This man was clearly a dedicated servant to our American military. John was part of the invasion of Guadalcanal located in the South Pacific where a battle between Japanese and U.S. troops occurred. In this battle John was one of only three Marines in the group to survive. He fought bravely to protect his country though he had to be terrified to be one of only a few left standing.

"This just makes him more inspiring to me, because he was not only fighting to win but just to survive. Because of his will to succeed and to protect his family, his home, and his country, he makes me feel like I can do anything in this world as well. Sadly, Basilone was killed in action on the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima. However, you need to know that before his life was taken he led a Marine tank under fire safely through a minefield and destroyed an enemy blockhouse completely on his own.

"John Basilone did many things for his country while he was alive, and he gave his life serving in the Marines doing what he knew was right, fighting for everything he believed in and loved. It is no surprise that Basilone's inspirational service was recognized posthumously as he was the first and only United States Marine to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism. I am incredibly grateful for the inspiration that John Basilone is to me, to other service men and women, and to America. My appreciation also goes out to all the other veterans who have previously served, are presently serving, and those that plan to serve in the future, trying their very best to be an inspiration to others much like John Basilone. Today, I honor John Basilone and all other veterans who inspire me to be the best "me" I can be, and I thank you for that and for your service."