Rebekah McConnell Wins Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest
Rebekah McConnell, Prattville Christian seventh grader, was selected as the winner of the VFW-sponsored Patriot’s Pen essay contest for local post, Post 1349. This annual essay contest provides students an opportunity to express their views on a patriotic theme. This year’s theme was entitled “Why I Honor the Flag.” Her moving 300-word essay will advance to the regional competition later this year.
An excerpt from her essay recounts the heroism of her great-grandfather in World War II. “All of my life I’ve been told stories. Stories regarding a man I’ve never met, but a hero nonetheless. A man who dodged bullets, battled the Germans, and drove generals. This man was my great-grandfather. He died long before I was ever born, but his spirit lives on through my family…He was brave and trusted his gut, which led him to save not just himself, but his superiors and countless more lives. He helps remind me every day to trust my gut and the American spirit. I honor the American flag because it reminds me of my great-grandfather; it represents honor, valor, and bravery. It represents my home. It represents America.”
Rebekah and other local post winners will join the mayor, fire chief, and other City of Prattville officials at a luncheon held in their honor during the spring semester.
