American Legion Scholarship Winner to speak following Memorial Day Parade

Rowan Macwan, a home-schooled, high school junior, earned a $16,000 scholarship for his second place finish at The American Legion's National Oratorical Scholarship Contest in Indianapolis on April 12.

Macwan represented Naperville Post 43 and the State of Illinois. He had previously won the Legion's 19th District and Department of Illinois contests, and quarter and semi final rounds at National. In each round of the competition, students deliver a rehearsed 8- to 10-minute address on the U.S. Constitution and a randomly assigned 3- to 5-minute oration on a constitutional topic, each without the benefit of notes and in front of a live audience, including the judges. The 2.4-million member American Legion developed the contest to encourage young people to improve their communications skills and to spread understanding of the U.S. Constitution.

In his prepared oration, titled "The Flame of Our Liberty" Macwan compared the Constitution to the "eternal flame" at President Kennedy's grave site, saying the nation's founding document is fueled "from the hearts of all who call this great nation home. Thus, it is the obligation of every American to uphold the Constitution. It influences our lives, and it protects us against tyranny. If we believe in it and continue to give it fuel, the blessings of liberty will endure and the Constitution will light America for years to come."

Naperville American Legion Post 43 is pleased to provide an opportunity for the thousands who will attend Naperville's Memorial Day festivities to hear this award winning local orator's inspiring presentation in the Central Park Bandshell following the parade.

Each January Naperville Post 43 hosts the local level competition of the American Legion's nationwide contest. Contest rules and applications are available at local high schools or from the contest chairman, Don Hennessey, gddh55@sbcglobal.net

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