Hawley American Legion awards Wallenpaupack student with first place in essay contest

Peter Becker, Tri-County Independent
·1 min read
Jordyn Fontano, a junior at Wallenpaupack Area High School, took first place in the American Legion essay contest for District 15, covering 28 posts in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This is believed to be the first time a student's essay from Post 311 Hawley, had this achievement. Fred Baker, Post 311 Finance Officer, presents a plaque to Jordyn, April 12.

American Legion Wilson-Kelch Post 311 in Hawley presented an award, April 13, to a Wallenpaupack junior for winning first place in an essay contest in the Legion's 15th Pennsylvania District, covering 28 local posts. Post members presented it to Jordyn Fontano, whose essay answered the question, "What does Americanism mean to me?"

The Legion looks to nurture seeds of patriotism in the young generation yet in school. The American Legion held its 88th annual essay contest asking for thoughts on Americanism.

American Legion WIlson-Kelch Post 311, Hawley, on April 11, acknowledged two in their ranks who have been members of Post 311 for 50 years. They are Donald C. Kimble, shown at right receiving a plaque from Post Commander Joseph Majeski; and George Hibbs, who was not present for the ceremony. Kimble and Hibbs both served in the Vietnam War, Kimble, an Army veteran, and Hibbs, who served in the Marines. Kimbles, 77, of Whitney Lake, said the 50 years went like "a blink of an eye." He was a sergeant, serving in the 9th Infantry Division in 1968-1969. He was stationed at the Mekong Delta.

Jordyn is the daughter of Jill Ludwig and lives at Tafton. The 11th-grader said she wrote the essay based on her feelings for her grandfather, who served in the Vietnam war. Fred Baker, Post 311 Finance Officer, presented her with a plaque on behalf of District 15, and a prize of $150.

Stephen Prall, Post 311, said that the local post had 14 entries. They selected the one to send to district headquarters for consideration. Jordyn now is eligible to compete at the state level.

Jordyn's essay follows:

What Does Americanism Mean to Me?

By Jordyn Fontano

Patriotic holidays are sprinkled across our calendars each year. What do they mean, though? What do they celebrate? They all represent different, unique occasions, but they all are in support of the same idea - Americanism.

Americanism, allegiance to the United States and its ideals and virtues, is present in the vast majority of its people.

Americanism's presence across the United States must be outwardly displayed to promote and spread it. One way of doing this is by participating in parades and performances during patriotic holidays such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day.

As the Department of Veteran Affairs article states, "A number of Veterans Day regional sites… conduct Veterans Day celebrations that provide excellent examples for other communities to follow."

To me, this means getting to play in a band at a local ceremony and showing enthusiasm to spectators that I and many others possess. Being able to spread Americanism to younger generations with this performance and others is truly meaningful to me and other musicians and artists.

I am the proud granddaughter of a Vietnam veteran. The respect I have for my grandfather - the epitome of an American - is immense. He and his service significantly contribute to my definition of Americanism, making sacrifices for one's country when asked.

According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, Veteran's Day is "giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I hostilities at 11 a.m. November 1, 1918." Later, in 1926, it was recognized as a national holiday called Armistice Day. The men and women celebrated on this special day fought for our rights, and because of them, I, and the rest of the country, can take pride in our homeland.

Finally, outwardly expressing love for my country is key to my Americanism.

For example, a visual representation of pride in the United States is one of the most effective ways for a person to display Americanism. Wearing red, white, blue, and other patriotic apparel is an easy identifier of someone who is loyal to their country. Loyalty through good times and bad, through wars and economic issues and their resolutions.

Putting up and following the rules of respecting an American flag is another way to show dedication. The Department of Veterans Affairs stresses "display the U.S. flag every day, but especially on national and state holidays." This statement explains one of the simplest ways to express Americanism and encourages its readers to do the same. Americanism is showing love for a country and setting it forth all together across that country.

In my eyes, Americanism is spreading patriotism, respecting those who made sacrifices for freedom and projecting your pride of this outward for the world to see. Yes, there may be a textbook definition explaining what Americanism is. Still, there is no possible way for it to express the hardships and difficulties this country had faced and how its people still persevered. The word alone holds many different meanings, unique to the person describing it.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Wallenpaupack student qualifies for PA American Legion essay contest