Miss Illinois OT Platform

Never to be Forgotten—Our Veterans, Our Heroes

We should never forget the veterans who have served our country. The United States veterans where among those who helped compose our constitution, protecting our rights as Americans. Their beliefs laid the framework of our nation's ideals. Whether they have served our country in peace-time or in times of war, all veterans have served to protect our freedoms. Today we have modern warriors who have volunteered to serve aboard, making the ultimate sacrifice of being in harm's way each and every day to help protect the rights of others. As our future veterans, they should be in our thoughts every day.

The Miss America Organization has a long-standing tradition of supporting veterans by acting as a model of patriotism and national pride. I dream of advancing this tradition as Miss America's Outstanding Teen by continuing to encourage and educate today's youth on the importance of remembering and honoring veterans as well as our current active military personnel.

My personal encounters with veterans have included speaking with a local family of a current serviceman, partnering with the USO and my local elementary schools to send out letter drives through my "Mission: Thanks" program and performing my violin at Veteran's Assistance Hospitals for those who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. One experience that has been particularly rewarding to me was after speaking at a Memorial Day service, where many family members of veterans shared with me that their father, son, or even grandfather appreciated my speech and said the message I passed on resonated with them. I have also been involved with three Honor Flight homecomings by speaking at the preflight dinners as well as being the first in line to welcome them home as they arrive back the next evening, taking away amazing memories and touching stories from each one. Experiences such as these are why I continue sharing my message of honoring our veterans. Much like First Lady Michelle Obama, I too want to spread the word about Americans supporting our veterans in a so many simple ways that no one has an excuse not to get involved. I would utilize the opportunity of being Miss America's Outstanding Teen to encourage a greater audience to gain involvement in remembering our veterans every day – not just on holidays.

As American's we should all try to pay our respects to active and former members of the armed forces in any way possible and also remember what they have given to ensure our nation remains safe and free. The best way to begin making a difference in the lives of veterans is to say a simple "Thank you". Through my program, "Mission: Thanks," I encourage individuals to thank those who have served our country. It can be as simple as walking up to service members in uniform and shaking their hand to show appreciation for the sacrifices they have made. "Mission: Thanks," has been rewarding for me and other students as well. The thank you letters we send out not only help to brighten the service members' day, but also make students feel as though they have accomplished something important. By encouraging them to make a difference, I am also educating them in the process about what service members do every day for our freedoms. I have learned that small acts of appreciation, such as letter drives and handshakes with a simple thank you, make a very big impact on veterans and the soldiers' lives overseas.

I am very proud to be the daughter of a veteran. My father is and always will be a Marine; he served in the Persian Gulf War and is an excellent example of an ordinary American hero who volunteered to serve his country. My father, as well as nearly all the men in my family is the reason I began serving veterans at a young age. The Miss America Organization has given me a tremendous outlet to make my voice heard and message even more powerful. As Miss America's Outstanding Teen I would be able to promote community service and make a lasting impact, while continuing to educate our youth about honoring current service men and women as well as all American heroes, our veterans.