Asbury Park Middle School Students Shine At The Asbury Park-Wall Elks #128 Lodge

Asbury Park Middle School students, Khiya Mullings, Cayla Hamm, Icelyn Griffith, and De’Jia Dawkins were recognized for their essays explaining what Veterans Day means to them. Because of their hard work in research, revising, editing, and writing the final draft to their essays, these students were given awards by the Asbury Park-Wall Elks #128 Lodge. One major award was given to Khiya Mullings who placed first in division two, which consisted of seventh and eighth grade students from different school districts, with her essay about what Veterans Day means to her.

Khiya’s essay:
What does Veterans Day mean to me?
Veterans Day means to me are the brave men and women who fought and are still fighting for the United States of America. It also means that these brave men and women who served were willing to risk their lives so that everyone in this country can have a good life. We should be real thankful because if our veterans and current soldiers did not fight in a war for us we would not have freedom. When our veterans fought for our freedom that we have today, their sacrifice was tremendous. For instance, these veterans did not see their families, children, and friends for prolong periods of time. In addition, today’s soldiers face the same sacrifice of not seeing their loved ones. The veterans and soldiers of today are beyond dedicated. Their dedication is well displayed on Veterans Day when they stand still and salute the
flag while the National Anthem plays in all its glory. While this
scene is taking place, we all can reflect about all of the soldiers who get hurt or have sacrificed their life so we can have freedom.

During Veterans Day, I have noticed on television the families who
lost their loved ones during combat. I feel bad for these families
because they know the sacrifice their loved ones made to preserve the freedom within our country. I wanted to cry myself because it was so sad. In my own opinion, everyone should be thankful for their service.
It is very hurtful to see people who show no gratitude to our
veterans. These people must realize that our veterans and current
soldiers serve when no one else is willing. If there was anything I could do for the veterans and current soldiers I would. For instance, I participated with several of my peers putting together an assembly for the veterans. The veterans who attended this assembly were Alfonse Freda (Korean War Veteran), Lou Parisi (World War II Veteran), and George Reed (Vietnam Veteran). During our presentations, we made sure that everyone in attendance understood that these brave men that were here today risked their lives so we could have freedom. Veterans Day is also important because the ones who have served and are currently serving have gone through a lot. They have to see the horrors of war with people dying around them. Because of this tough sacrifice of enduring the horrors of war, we can hang out with our friends, watch TV, and have cell phones to talk to our friends. In addition, we can go places whenever we want and travel whenever we want. In many countries they cannot do that because they do not have freedom. They live under some form of dictatorship that does not allow people to do much of anything. Also in other countries, vicious governments allow their children to starve. However, because of our government and the people who are serving and have served, we do not have to worry about starvation. I am proud that I am free. I am proud that I am a U.S citizen. I am proud of all our Veterans and soldiers who fought and are still fighting for my country.
On a personal note, my brother is joining the Marines. He leaves in December and I am proud. He’s going overseas. I hope he’s going to be safe. My grandfather also served in the U.S army. I saw his picture in his army uniform. When my grandfather died the soldiers lifted up his casket standing still, the American flag was draped over his casket. Then after that, they shot the gun up in the air. Being a Veteran is great. What does being a Veteran mean to you?

Representing the students from Asbury Park Middle School was social studies teacher Mr. Wronko. Mr. Wronko, was very proud of the students doing such a good job with their essays. Two of Mr. Wronko’s students, Khiya Mullings and Cayla Hamm, were reward recipients. This marks the second year in a row that Mr. Wronko had students recognized by the Asbury Park-Wall Elks #128 Lodge. For instance, last year Mr. Wronko’s student, Anijah Taylor, was one of the top winners for her essay on what does the National Anthem mean to me.

Her essay read:
“WHAT DOES THE NATIONAL ANTHEM MEAN TO ME?”
To me the National Anthem has many meanings. First I would like to
focus on is the brave men and women that are serving overseas fighting the war on terrorism because there are many phrases in the National Anthem that truly represent their bravery. For example, I feel this way because it says the “bombs bursting in the air.” This reminds me of the men and women fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan. Every day, these men and women are putting their lives on the line so that terrorism never again reaches the shores of the U.S. In addition, what stands out is the saying of “home of the brave.” “Home of the brave” is very uplifting because what brings this to light is the navy seal six who eliminated Osama Bin Laden, the terrorist responsible for the destruction of the World Trade Center and the death of 3,000 people.

Second, the words “the flag was still there” reminds me of major events in U.S. history in which the flag gave hope. For instance,
during World War II, the battle of Iwo Jima was a horrific conflict in which the United States battled Japan. After many days of fighting, the American soldiers were discouraged. However, that changed when the U.S. soldiers raised the American Flag. This inspired the soldiers to defeat Japan. The flag showed total bravery and inspiration. In addition to the battle of Iwo Jima, the flag being raised after the destruction of the World Trade Center reminds me of the words “the flag was still there.” For example, on 9’11, not only was the World Trade Center destroyed, but one hijacked plane hit the pentagon, and the last hijacked plane hit the field in Pennsylvania. That plane that crashed in Pennsylvania was heading for the White House and would of have made it if was not for the brave men and women on board that stopped the terrorists from carrying out another horrific event. After all the horrific events of 9’11, the fire fighters raised the American flag to show that the United States did not die. In conclusion, this was my interpretation of the National Anthem. I am sure that the National Anthem has many more meanings. But one can agree that the National Anthem remains in the heart of all Americans.
By:
Anijah Taylor