I recently got to spend some time with the first place winner of the Voice of Democracy contest, Justine E. Banken, a senior at Breckenridge High School.  I was honored to be asked by Eunice Shasky, Ladies Auxillary Americanism Chair for VFW Post 2766 in Breckenridge, to assist her in recording Justine’s speech so they could send it to the District 9 Competition.  It was my privledge to be able to listen to Justine’s speech about service and sacrifice by America’s vets benefitting today’s youth.  It was very moving.  It was eloquent, and a winner in my book.

We hear so often today about what our kids aren’t, and what they are doing wrong, and all kinds of other negativity.  My faith in our youth is restored when I listen to young people like Justine.  She knows and understands what patriotism is all about.

I would like to thank Eunice Shasky for giving me that opportunity to listen to the that speech and thank you to Justine E. Banken for wrting it.  I am honored to play even a small part in the process.

Good luck Justine!