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Eddy Middle School students placed flags on Veteran’s graves in 2024 at Riverside Cemetery in Bethel. Rose Lincoln/Bethel Citizen

BETHEL — Kiley Ann Gould, a 7th Grader at the Eddy Middle School, was the first place winner in the Memorial Day Essay Contest sponsored by Jackson-Silver American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 68 in Greenwood.

Here is her essay:

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Veteran Richard Farren who served for a heroic total of fourteen years in the military. He served in the Air Force for four years and in the Marine Corps for ten years. Farren had been dreaming of serving since the young age of seven, inspired by the legacy of his family’s military service. This dream became reality as he first served at the age of seventeen years old when he was drafted. His time in the Marine Corps and the Air Force built courage and resilience that would shape the rest of his life and earned my deepest admiration.

His dedicated and heroic journey began at a young age, completing a dream he had wanted for as long as he could remember. He was inspired by his unwavering devotion to America and his patriotism. Serving in the Air Force and Marine Corps became more than just a duty; it became his passion. To Farren, serving was continuing long lasting family traditions, protecting his country, and doing something to pay his country back for all it has given him. It meant contributing to the greater good of America.

Farren served to protect future generations and because he believed that everyone should have the chance to live without fear. Though he does not believe that violence is the answer, he believes that everyone who is capable should serve to demonstrate their love for the country. Richard’s strong patriotism and pride in his country fueled his commitment to his service. He thinks that the true meaning of living in your country is to help and devote your life to serving it. He said he not once regretted serving and he is glad he chose to do that.

Farren believes it is crucial for future generations to serve to protect their country. He believes if nobody wants to serve then nobody will fight for us and we would live in fear. He stated you need to “ protect your beliefs.” This shows that you need to demonstrate your love for your beliefs. He hopes the people who love and believe in America will serve. He believes serving should be voluntary instead of drafting. He says many things have also improved since he served and fewer lives are lost because of it. “Freedom is never free. It is the sacrifice of those who serve that ensures the liberties we enjoy every day.” – Unknown Veteran. This quote intertwines with how Farren said we need people to serve or else we will live in fear.

In conclusion, Farren is glad that he got the opportunity to serve and it has shaped how he is today. Something he kept saying was, “ peace on earth”. He believes that what he has done has gotten us closer to that goal. Though serving was tough, he believes it has taught him so many useful lessons. He lives everyday with pride knowing that he served his country and all that live in it.