Post 41 Lymes of the American Legion has announced its 2018 Memorial Day Essay Contest Winners. In its 33rd year, the Post invites 5th Graders from Lyme and Old Lyme schools to compose an essay concerning what “Memorial Day Means to Me.” Winners are Honorary Parade Marshalls riding in the front of the parade and recite their essay’s during the Duck River Cemetery ceremonies. This year’s winners are:
First Place: Max Novak from Lyme Consolidated School
Second Place: Justin Bonatti from Mile Creek School
Third Place: Hannah Johnston from Lyme Consolidated School
The purpose of the Program is to foster awareness in two of the four pillars of American Legion service: “Mentoring the Youth of our Nation” and “Promoting Patriotism and Honor.” In doing so, the Post hopes to promote the importance of the Memorial Day holiday in our students including the history of the name, specific historical events and the knowledge of contribution, sacrifice and service to our Nation of our own Town’s Veterans.
Winners receive a monetary award, an Americanism Medal with certificate and an US Flag flown over our Nation’s Capital.
The Post hopes to engage each year’s winners in a process to educate their neighbors and citizens of our Towns through public speaking and sharing their essay during Memorial Day and school events.