Winning Essays
Cyd Pauline Essock
Happy Birthday to us, each and every one
It’s time to assemble for some Star-Spangled fun!
Once upon a time, many people formed this nation
Now even more are joining our 250th celebration
To salute those who trail-blazed from sea to shining sea
Inspired by the ideals of Lady Liberty
And wish godspeed to those exploring outer space each year
Before returning from brave new worlds to the states they call dear
It’s time to assemble for some Star-Spangled fun!
Once upon a time, many people formed this nation
Now even more are joining our 250th celebration
To salute those who trail-blazed from sea to shining sea
Inspired by the ideals of Lady Liberty
And wish godspeed to those exploring outer space each year
Before returning from brave new worlds to the states they call dear
Donna Parrey
People young and old across our nation
Gather for our 250th celebration
It took a Revolutionary War
To win the independence we so adore
So in the midst of fireworks and barbecues,
Don’t forget the lives some had to lose
Freedom was…and still is…America’s pride
Symbolized by our flag, flown proudly, far and wide
Gather for our 250th celebration
It took a Revolutionary War
To win the independence we so adore
So in the midst of fireworks and barbecues,
Don’t forget the lives some had to lose
Freedom was…and still is…America’s pride
Symbolized by our flag, flown proudly, far and wide
Valerie Raburn
Our founding fathers would be ever so proud
To realize their vision of a strong and healthy nation
Withstood attacks from at home and abroad
To one day rejoice in a 250th celebration
Their creative experiment evolved
From a melting pot of people
To build a country respected and admired
By all, both humble and regal
To realize their vision of a strong and healthy nation
Withstood attacks from at home and abroad
To one day rejoice in a 250th celebration
Their creative experiment evolved
From a melting pot of people
To build a country respected and admired
By all, both humble and regal
Travis Sherman
The fireworks explode into the beach’s night sky
On this, our nation’s 250th celebration of its life
While across the road, books wait patiently on their library shelves A herd of mysteries, histories, hopeful romances, eager self-help,
Gory true crimes, fantasy & sci-fi, thrillers & horror, memoirs inspiring
So orderly, so tidy, alphabetized & Dewey decimalled,
This carefully gathered nation of ideas waits patiently
Because it knows that it is a celebration of the true and inevitable diversity
Of a free people’s mind
Something for everyone
As it should be
On this, our nation’s 250th celebration of its life
While across the road, books wait patiently on their library shelves A herd of mysteries, histories, hopeful romances, eager self-help,
Gory true crimes, fantasy & sci-fi, thrillers & horror, memoirs inspiring
So orderly, so tidy, alphabetized & Dewey decimalled,
This carefully gathered nation of ideas waits patiently
Because it knows that it is a celebration of the true and inevitable diversity
Of a free people’s mind
Something for everyone
As it should be
Honorable mention also goes to Joy Abbott Bucci, Elijah Motter, Finnley Sharp, and Danny Zenisek.