Ellison Defines America’s Heroes
February 8, 2010

As I looked into the face of one soldier in the camera, I saw in his eyes a fierce determination, a sense of purpose that glowed brighter than any explosion on the battlefield. He knew what was at stake here. Not only was he protecting the freedom of those at home, but also was trying to extend our freedom to those in Iraq.

Andrew Ellison ‘11
Excerpt from VFW Voice of Democracy essay submission

Junior Andrew Ellison’s (St. Celestine) essay on American heroes placed him third in the Second District for the 2009-2010 VFW Voice of Democracy essay contest. Ellison said that the direction of his essay came from watching coverage of the Iraq War on T.V. and listening to his family and friends who have served in the military. One of his St. Pat’s classmates, Joe Brandstatter ’08, recently completed basic training for the Marine Corps. Not long from now he will be on active duty, possibly in Iraq. “I’m happy for him because he’s one of the few people I know who is not going there for college,” said Ellison, impressed by Brandstatter’s loyalty and dedication to serving his country. “He’s just following his dream to protect us.”

Ellison plays the trombone for St. Pat’s Honors Jazz Band. His goals after graduation are to join a pre-med program where he can focus on neurology. Senior Byron Ovalle (Our Lady of Tepeyac) and freshman Kyle Donovan (St. Hilary) represented the school with Ellison at the VFW’s essay contest awards program held Jan. 10. See below for Ellison’s complete essay.

Does America Still Have Heroes?
By Andrew Ellison ‘11

Within a society, there are those who are remembered, respected, and inspirational for their people. In this period of financial insecurity and hopelessness, as a sense of dread and desperation consumes the American public, the need for inspiration is at its greatest level. Only one group of individuals has the ability to restore America’s confidence: the American hero. The American hero is a person who not only reflects the best of America, but also the best of humanity. They are men and women who have dedicated their lives to preserving the greater good. What we do not realize is that these honorable individuals are closer than we realize.

Take a look at those around you who have made a strong impact in your life. Are not most of them older? Our daily existence is so beset with the pressures of ordinary life, that we have become blind to those heroes within our own communities. Our elders, the ones who laid the foundation for our existence, stand as a testimony to what the American hero should be today. Their keen wisdom, valuable experiences, and gentle hearts are something we should all strive to achieve. Many of these men and women are veterans of past wars and conflicts, and have displayed courage beyond what we may ever know. They pressed beyond their physical limitations, and revealed the soul of heroism in its ultimate grandeur. But just as our elders have done, a new generation of American heroism is taking root overseas.

Domestic issues here at home seem to cloud our perspective. We disregard the fact that there are men and women abroad as well. Under the blaze of death and the cries of war, they fight on sacrificing their lives so that we may preserve what is beautiful and pure: our freedom. I recall the vivid images shown on television of our soldiers at the peak of the Iraq War. Bombs exploding all around, gunfire ringing in the air, but one image stills stays with me. As I looked into the face of one soldier in the camera, I saw in his eyes a fierce determination, a sense of purpose that glowed brighter than any explosion on the battlefield. He knew what was at stake here. Not only was he protecting the freedoms of those at home, but also was trying to extend our freedom to those in Iraq.

Such actions should leave anyone in awe of how powerful the spirit of the American hero can truly be. However, such actions are not limited to these brave men and women. We too can embody the values of the American hero in our lives as well. The legacy of our American heroes lies not in the history books, but within one’s self. By just observing the actions of our soldiers, and remembering our veterans, we can gain the courage to overcome any challenge. We too have the potential to be American heroes. I remember the impact I made on those around me each week I went to the grocery store.

Each Saturday, I come upon a group of World War II veterans at the super market asking for donations for those injured in the Iraq War. Many strolled past them with disregard, ignoring the value of their presence there that day. I remember fondly the smile that appeared on the lined and hard face of one veteran. By simply donating one measly dollar to his cause, I had made a difference in my community, and displayed the spirit of the gentleman in front of me: the spirit of the American hero. For what he has done for me as a citizen of this great nation, I am absolutely thrilled that I can be of some small service to him. Our American heroes are guardians of liberty, protectors of the innocent, and idols for the future. As my grandfather once said, “The future is bright for the young, but only because the old have cleared away the darkness.” I am forever grateful to these American heroes for ensuring that I have a country to live in, and a model by which to live my life.