Patriot's Pen: Hofer's Second Place Story

The local VFW and Auxiliary promoted the 2023-2024 Patriots Pen Essay competition. Across the county, grades 6-8 wrote their own personal belief and thoughts on the topic this year, "How Are You Inspired By America."

This year, three judges were challenged with the task of selecting their choices from the nearly 70 entries. This process took nearly four hours and additional time to record and review the entries after the judges made their choices.

Annually, approximately 112,000 students enter to win one of several savings bonds totaling $12 million. Also available is an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the National first place winner. Malta Post 4067 has been fortunate to send students to the national level.

The top three winners will be published over the next couple weeks. This entry was selected as the second place winner, and was written by Austin Hofer of the East Malta Colony. He received $75 cash from the local VFW. His certificate and award were presented by Commander Derek Oshio, Donald Klinko (VFW Patriot's Pen Chairman, and Kari Hould, Conductress of the VFW Auxiliary. This is his entry.

Why I Am Inspired By America

By Austin Hofer

My name is Austin M. Hofer, and I'm 15. I live in Malta, Montana, in a Hutterite Colony. The place where I live is called East Malta Colony.

I'm inspired by America because of everything it has achieved. When the first pilgrims came over on the Mayflower, they knew that this land could be something great. We got our independence on July 4, 1776 against one of the most powerful nations. America has gone as far as the moon and as deep as the ocean. One of the greatest things about America is its opportunities and its freedom.

The Hutterite Brethren came from Austria and South Germany, however we were never actually welcome. We could never preach about our religion freely without getting thrown in jail or persecuted. It got so bad that we had to move from place to place. When the Hutterites finally came to America, they could live in peace because everybody is equal.

America has accomplished so much and it welcomes anyone who wants to come. Every time America has struggled it has always come back like with slavery, the Great Depression, the World Wars, 9/11, and even The Civil War. Currently America is facing problems with inflation, but I truly believe we can conquer it. I think the Government plays a big role in our society, they enforce rules, provide leadership, and help keep the peace. The three branches of government, the Legislative branch, the Executive branch, and the Judicial branch all help make laws. The President can also suggest laws and can veto laws. Our President is Joe Biden, in 2024 we will elect a new president or maybe re-elect Joe Biden.

America has one of the greatest constitutions ever written by Thomas Jefferson, second to the 10 commandments.

America may not be the greatest place on the planet but it sure has done a lot. Many people have sacrificed their lives for this country. Everyone who lives here shouldn't forget that and should be grateful.

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read my essay.