Naming the five branches of military service and describing the World War I origins of Veterans Day, Somerset Middle School seventh grader Camden Hoyle captured first place in the annual contest on what this important holiday means to them.
SOMERSET — Naming the five branches of military service and describing the World War I origins of Veterans Day, Somerset Middle School seventh grader Camden Hoyle captured first place in the annual contest on what this important holiday means to them.
"We celebrate this holiday because we want to take a day to thank our veterans for the sacrifices they made," Hoyle wrote.
"On Nov. 11, 1938, Congress made this day an annual legal holiday known as Armistice Day," said the student, who will read his winning essay on Sunday, Veterans Day at 11 a.m. at the World War II memorial in front of the Somerset public library.
His fellow seventh-graders Assante Sanders and William Dionne took second and third places, respectively.
The winner receives $100, and second and third place receive $75 and $50, sponsored by Post 8500 VFW. Post members and Veterans Agent Heather Cheetham select the winners.
More than 100 middle school students participated, and selection each year "gets harder and harder," Cheetham said.
"I'm always impressed how these kids articulate what Veterans Day means to them," she said, stating that both the students and Somerset Middle School teachers working with them do a great job.
The town veterans post and department sponsor a middle school essay contest twice a year.
Cheetham said the other one is for Memorial Day with a topic on guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Solider. The winner reads the essay after the Memorial Day parade at Post 8500. That takes place one week before the annual trip for eighth graders to Washington, D.C.
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"Veterans Day" by Camden Hoyle
"Veterans day is a day we have to thank the people who served for our country. A veteran is someone who served in the forces such as the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and the Coast Guard. Every year, we celebrate this day on November 11th. The United States American flag symbolizes this important day.
We celebrate this holiday because we want to take a day to thank our veterans for the sacrifices they made. This holiday is held on the anniversary of the end of World War I in order to honor US veterans and victims of all wars. It replaced Armistice Day in 1954.
"On November 11th, 1938, Congress made this day an annual, legal holiday known as Armistice Day. This day honored the cause of world peace, but it was primarily used to honor World War I veterans. After World War ll, in 1954, the law was changed and Armistice Day became Veterans Day.
"Veterans Day is a celebration to remember and honor America's veterans for their love of our country and the risks they took just to keep our country safe. They knew the risks and strength It took but even though they knew this, they served and fought anyway.
"As you can see, the veterans work is very important and serves a huge purpose in our country. There are many types of veterans, and with hard work and dedication, earning a spot in the veteran forces is significant. Overall, the veterans are greatly appreciated for all the hard work and risk-taking they have done."