| Lustig
places 2nd in state in VFW Voice of Democracy competition
Josh Lustig of Summit Academy earned 2nd place at the state level at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) “Voice of Democracy” competition.  His
speech themed, “Why Veterans are Important to our Nation’s History and
Future” centered on the freedom ignited in our nation’s founding and preserved
by the sacrifices of our veterans. Below are excerpts from
his speech.
“In the hearts of the American people there is a fire…..A fire that instills hope. This fire gives people the opportunity to pursue their dreams for a better future. This internal flame inside the hearts of Americans is lit by the torch of freedom….[and] is at the base of the American dream. “ “On July 4, 1776….the United States of America would be required to preserve and protect this torch….How did this flame survive the ages? Who kept this torch alive and burning bright? The answer lies in the story of every past, present and future soldier. It is our veterans who preserve freedom for all. Veterans such as Ross McGinnis.” “After his high school graduation in 2005, Ross McGinnis (pictured above right) immediately joined the military. Shortly after enlisting, Ross’s platoon was driving across Bagdad on a mission. One day Ross was manning the gunners hatch and he saw a grenade fall into the truck and hit the floor. Ross tried warning the others by shouting. His crew wouldn’t have time to abandon the truck. In the heat of the moment he selflessly jumped on top of the explosive in order to shield his friends. The grenade exploded and ended the young man’s life. He saved the four crew members’ lives that day.” “Later one of these survivors reported that Ross could have easily jumped out of the truck and saved his own life that day. But he didn’t. He chose to give his own life in order to protect the lives of those around him. Ross is the living embodiment of what each American veteran has done for us. He did not only die that day to save the lives of those four crew members, he died for each one of his fellow citizens. He died for you and for me.” “This is why our Veterans are important. They have given everything to defend the torch of Freedom. They believed and still believe that this freedom is what makes our nation so great….Because of their sacrifice the flame burns brightly giving us all great hope for the future.” “The torch was lit by sacrifices of the founding fathers, kept burning by the sacrifice of those veterans such as Ross McGinnis and now is being entrusted to the next generation…. We truly owe our lives and our future to each and every United States veteran.…They have put their lives on the line to obtain it for all of us.” “Thank you to all veterans listening to this, I know that you can appreciate this last quote more than anyone else can.“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” You have truly lived it and we thank you for your service. God Bless.” Each year, nearly 40,000 high school students from across the country enter to win a share of the $2.2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition. Josh Lustig was awarded a $600 scholarship. 
Josh Lustig, a senior at Summit Academy, received the second place award in the VFW Department of Idaho Voice of Democracy Contest. He is shown with from left, national Junior Vice Commander in Chief Brian J. Duffy, State VFW president Melanie Palmer and State Commander Robert A. Wayment. Photo provided by Dominic Lustig. |
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