Voice of Democracy Contest theme: "Why is the Veteran Important"

The VOICE OF DEMOCRACY is open to all grades 9-12 and this includes homeschoolers.

The theme for 2022 is “WHY IS THE VETERAN IMPORTANT?”

To preface your recorded entry, think about what is going on in the United States and overseas where our Veterans play a vital role. What have the Veterans done in the past and present. Our Veterans Memorial park is a good start to give you insight if you have been fortunate to visit great battlegrounds, monuments, or Washington DC. to gain knowledge for this program. Look at the Vietnam Wall online or perhaps you’ve viewed the traveling Vietnam Wall. It is totally awesome.

Your submission must be completely your own without using your name or any information about you. No background noise is allowed, no singing, poetry, just your strong voice saying why our Veterans are important.

You will record on a CD, 3-5 (+ or -5 second max.) minutes in length, and also provide a typed version with your name and information concerning you. Entry blanks are with your instructors/advisors.

The deadline is October 31, 2022, and must be submitted to your instructor or me by that date.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

ORIGINALITY is worth 30 pts: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest.

CONTENT is worth 35 pts: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to the other.

DELIVERY is worth 35 pts: Speak in a clear and credible manner.

Hint: do NOT sound as though you are reading your script. Go over the speech several times so you are using a natural voice.

There is $156,000 in national awards, the top scholarship being $30,000. Department (state) winners receive an all-expense trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, and be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary members.