
7220 E Wilshire Dr, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257, U.S.A. 480 941-9849
2025 VFW Post 3513 Voice of Democracy
2 place winner
Grace A. Wright
Grace A. Wright has been awarded second place in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3513 Voice of Democracy competition, recognizing her outstanding audio essay on "How are you showing patriotism and support for our country" .
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Grace is a senior at Shadow Ridge High School and will be graduating this spring, marking the culmination of a successful high school career and the beginning of her next chapter. Although she has not yet decided which college she will attend, she is strongly interested in studying business with the goal of one day owning her own company, reflecting her ambition, initiative, and desire to contribute meaningfully to her community.​
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Grace has participated in the VFW Voice of Democracy youth scholarship program for three consecutive years, consistently placing high among her peers at each level of competition. This long-term commitment demonstrates her dedication to civic engagement and her ongoing desire to grow as a thoughtful, patriotic young leader.​
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Beyond the classroom, Grace is committed to living a well-balanced, active life and pursuing the things she loves. She enjoys hiking, working out, playing guitar, and traveling, interests that highlight both her appreciation for the outdoors and her creative spirit and complement her academic and leadership aspirations.​
Grace’s Voice of Democracy audio essay clearly demonstrated a deep understanding of the responsibilities, values, and attitudes expected of a patriotic citizen of the United States. Her thoughtful reflections and sincere delivery impressed the judges and embodied the core purpose of the VFW’s premier youth scholarship program: fostering patriotism and amplifying the voices of future leaders.​
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The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3513 proudly congratulates Grace A. Wright on earning second place in the Voice of Democracy competition and thanks her for sharing her inspiration with the VFW community. Her dedication, talent, and vision for the future are truly commendable. Everyone at VFW Post 3513 wishes her the very best of luck in her academic journey, future business endeavors, and all that lies ahead.

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​"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"
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My Support for America
For as long as I can remember, my favorite holiday has always been the Fourth of July. As a child, the celebration was pure joy: an array of colors bursting across the sky, a moment to proudly wave the American flag, and a time to deck out in red, white, and blue. It was a day to embrace our country by watching festive parades and singing patriotic songs to our heart's desire. My younger self never recognized the historical significance of this day, but now I celebrate by honoring the birth and freedom of our nation. While Independence Day sparked my first sense of patriotism, my love for our country has since strengthened into profound ways I show support to the United States.
Fueled by our veterans’ countless sacrifices, my patriotism was built upon their
dedication to upholding American values like freedom, justice, and equality. As I’ve matured, these values have become a bigger part of my life, particularly through honoring veterans and listening to their powerful stories, such as my family’s. Hearing about their service not only opened my heart to becoming a more involved citizen, but also inspired me to carry on the importance of our veterans to future generations. For instance, my great-grandfather, who was a
World War II veteran, fought in the Battle of the Bulge to reinforce the principles of freedom and democracy. His stories not only deepened my love for America but also prompted me to better understand the weight of veterans' service we often take for granted. This taught me that honoring our veterans isn’t just a selfless act, but a fundamental respect to acknowledge the sacrifices we
owe them.
Showing appreciation for veterans has not only shaped my patriotism but also
transformed how I celebrate American history. For instance, national holidays, which once seemed no more than a day off from school or a simple get-together, now hold a much more sincere place in my heart. These cornerstones of our nation: Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and far more, have shifted my perspective on what support genuinely means. America’s past was shaped by these pivotal moments, reminding us of how hard we fought to
end up as a representative democracy. Celebrating these days of remembrance has empowered me to honor the heroic men and women who fought for our freedoms so we could live with liberty, equality, and integrity every day. I believe honoring our nation not only brings communities together, but cultivates a national identity that we can use as a beacon of hope. Nonetheless, these significant holidays have become pillars of my patriotism, revealing the fight
for freedom, justice, and equality for all.
From an early age, my family has always reminded me of the importance of celebrating America, along with honoring its principles. Whether it was by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in school, adhering to the rule of law, or standing up for American values, I constantly admired their sense of patriotism. Their commitment to upholding principles such as freedom, justice, and
equality not only ignited my love for our country but also motivated me to support our nation's founding ideals. For instance, the Pledge of Allegiance displays our commitment to the flag, symbolizing the principles of liberty and justice for all. Their understanding of America has helped me appreciate our core values, allowing me to foster a stronger sense of freedom and
opportunity. I can proudly say my support for our country isn't just a sense of pride, but a constant devotion to honoring its principles.
My support for America, fueled by an appreciation for veterans, a deep respect for our shared history, and a daily commitment to standing by our principles, has made my sense of patriotism stronger than ever. I've learned to take my own initiatives by fostering a stronger sense of national pride and, in doing so, upholding our shared values. My active commitment is a
dedication to the principles of freedom, justice, and equality that our veterans courageously stand by. For this reason, striving to thank our veterans, celebrating American independence, and abiding by our ideals hold such a sincere place in my heart. My actions show that patriotism isn't just about waving a flag, but showing a deep and constant support for the United States of America.