Teenager expresses gratitude to troops

Nathan Bracher, Roselle, Voice of Democracy audio essay winner

Lake Park High School senior Nathan Bracher of Roselle finds himself thankful for many things in life.

For one, he values the courage, perseverance and discipline of the country's soldiers.

Though he's not a soldier himself, he's among a group of youth in the country who have taken their gift for writing to promote patriotism.

"There really isn't any way anyone can repay them for what they've done," Bracher said. "They've made a big commitment in defending our country."

In fact, Bloomingdale VFW Post 7539 recently honored him with its Voice of Democracy Award for his audio essay. He wrote a speech about veterans and then recorded it.

"I think it's important to the extent that it helps foster patriotism and gives students an opportunity to voice their opinion and address their responsibility to their country," said Bill Bahr, Post 7539's Voice of Democracy chairman.

Bracher's essay will continue to be judged on the district and then possibly the national level.

"I honor each veteran, past, present and future, for courage to face the unknown for me and for America, my home," Bracher wrote in his essay.