This RI teen was looking for a way to think about what democracy means. She found her grandfather. • Rhode Island Current

This essay by Westerly High School sophomore Abiageal Emery won first place in the 2023-2024 Rhode Island Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy essay contest. The theme was “What are the greatest attributes of our democracy? Emery will read her essay as a guest speaker for the The state's 50th annual Memorial Day ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter. His essay has been lightly edited for republishing here.

I type the word “America” into my Google search bar. This suggests that my next words should be “the land of opportunity”. “Opportunity” is a very broad term and I think that’s why it’s so special. I may find an opportunity to go to my friend's house, but some may find an opportunity to change their life, give up an addiction or buy a car; the possibilities are endless and can vary depending on many situations. To be considered a land of opportunity is to be considered free. However, these opportunities are not free, they are not a given, and they are not easy to obtain. Every opportunity was deserved. Just like our democracy. The freedoms we have today were not always so. I believe deep down that the greatest attribute of American democracy is that it has been earned.

Voice of Democracy essay winner to deliver Memorial Day keynote address

My grandfather, age 82, is a retired Navy veteran. He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, when he was 21 years old. I've always admired him for it and recognized how grateful I am to him, but I'm not sure I really understood his story until recently. Back when my grandfather was in the service, the Soviet Union was trying to place nuclear missiles on Cuban territory to attack America. My grandfather still remembers many details of this experience. He arrived at the Cuban border on a Friday evening aboard the first ship to reach the island country. He describes the dilemma as both turbulent and dangerous. He remembers being “confused and having no idea what was going on.” The crew wasn't sure why, but when they woke up Sunday morning, the ships were in the middle of the ocean, heading out.

As I listened to his story, I kept thinking about how much I would despise being on that boat. I would be afraid, I would be hungry, I would be tired and I would not have the will to endure these conditions. My grandfather, and so many others, were ready to fight for our country and keep Russian nuclear missiles out, even though they feared for their own safety. His story is so powerful to me because it is a direct example of protecting American democracy and the well-being of the public. The will and sacrifice of those involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis helped secure what America built: democracy, freedom, and opportunity.

My grandfather's story and those of other veterans are connected. No matter how much research I do and questions I ask, as someone who has never been to war, I can never truly understand it. However, I can have respect and great compassion for the work and dedication of my grandfather and others to our country. They are risking their lives for our democracy.

In my eyes, my grandfather is the bravest person I know. However, he is just one of 41 million people who have served in the United States military throughout our nation's history. He is one of 41 million people who helped secure the opportunities I often take for granted. It is thanks to him and so many others that I am here today. These are the greatest attributes of American democracy.

For some people, the importance of our country trumps the importance of their own lives. There is never a moment's rest for our veterans, past or present. They will always have their stories and experiences and will always have the right to share their stories and experiences. They could stop and give up the fight for America, but they don't. They are fighting for a democracy so that we can enjoy it. At any time, a person who has served has the responsibility to win democracy. That's what makes it so special. America was not born with freedom and opportunity, those who were brave enough, fought and won it for everyone.