THE AMERICAN CONSULATE GENERAL
                                                                                                                                               
For Immediate Release                                                                                       
July 28, 2006

Essay Winners Reflect on Freedom

The US Independence Day Celebration and stunning fireworks display may be only a fond memory, but to several essay contestants, freedom is something that is of lasting value and significance.

Five local youngsters were named the winners of the American Society’s first annual essay contest on the meaning of freedom.  Ranging in age from 7 to 13, the young winners used the essay contest as an opportunity to ponder – perhaps for the first time – the concept of being free. “Freedom is what everyone needs around the world,” said 7 year-old Grace Palmer, winner of the Under 10 category.  Second place winner Nate Lang believes that, “When you are free you do not have to ask permission from the Government.” 

Elizabeth Parsons and Benjamin Broughton tied for 3^rd place in the Under 10 category.  Elizabeth expressed the hope that “someday the whole world will be free,” while Benjamin said that freedom “means we live in harmony with our own choice of a job.”

In the 13 & Under category, Benjamin’s 13 year-old brother William was the winner. He encapsulated his belief this way: “Freedom is having responsibilities, to uphold them, and to fight for them, and let your beliefs stand strong.”

Each contest winner received a ribbon, a goodie bag and Wahooo Waterpark passes for two at the Wyndham Bermuda Resort and Spa, a generous Celebration sponsor.

The American Society and the American Consulate, co-hosts of the much-anticipated annual Independence Day Celebration, expect next year’s essay contest to attract wider participation.  Said US Consul General Gregory W. Slayton, “So many of us take freedom for granted.  It does us all good to stop for a moment and reflect on its meaning and to be thankful that we live in a free society.”

 

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First Place Essays Following.

1^st Place
(UNDER 10)
Grace Palmer, aged 7

Freedom is what everyone needs around the world.  I think Bermuda and America are very free places.  You don’t have to be in the same religion or wear a certain fashion.  You could live by yourself or get married or have children.  You could be any colour and it doesn’t matter.  I am glad I live in Bermuda and I am proud to be an American.

1^st Place
(13 & UNDER)
William Broughton, aged 13

Freedom, to me, is being your own person, knowing that what you do is not limited by others, but is set by your own standards.  Freedom is having your own thoughts, your own mind, as it is not limited by physical or mental abilities.  Being free gives you no limitations, lets you fly, lets you accomplish everything, because you have no boundaries.  Freedom breaks down the walls of oppression, liberates the soul, and lets you live, in harmony, in hope. Freedom is having responsibilities, to uphold them, and to fight for them, and let your beliefs stand strong.  It is running through the fields, without a care in the world, freedom is being able to choose what you do, to know and be able to plan your own future.  Freedom at the most basic step derives from helping make other people free.

Contact:  Astrid C. Black
Public Diplomacy/Political Assistant
American Consulate General
441-278-7502
blackac@state.gov