ROCHELLE — The 2018 American Legion Essay Contest theme was: What National Monument Means The Most To Me?
First place winner from Post 403 Rochelle was Britney Salinas of Lindenwood, an Rochelle Township High School senior.
She wrote:
America’s national monuments often portray memories of the past, today’s society, or ideals for future generations. They are beloved symbols by not only citizens of the United States but worldwide. People find the ability to express themselves, exceed expectations, preserve memories, and fortify their hopes and values through national monuments.
The most treasured national monument to me is Lady Liberty. The Statue of Liberty represents and influences America and the world through its captivating past and empowering symbols.
One of the prime reasons I favor the Statue of Liberty over other national monuments is the history behind its construction. In order to memorialize America’s democracy and freedoms, and combine the efforts of the French and Americans, the French proposed building a statue. France was in charge of the sculpture, while America built the pedestal. The construction demonstrated the capability of harmony and partnership between countries, but also as an influence of ethics and ideals. France was divided between a monarchy and democracy. Hope was obtained for the French through the creation and influence of the Statue of Liberty and what it stood for. The Statue of Liberty was a symbol to many and still is a steady symbol today.
The primary reason that the Statue of Liberty is the most important national monument to me is its symbolism throughout time. Lady Liberty has been observed as an emblem for the American concepts of democracy and freedom, fighting against oppression; of hope, and strength. Having a country for the people, by the people, and representing the people became the desired notion for many who felt their rights were being compromised. It encompasses the principles set by the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and the U.S. Constitution.

This monument encourages life without fear of restriction, punishment, or danger for a person’s beliefs. For the oppressed, an ability to speak out is found. For those looking for the “American Dream,” the ability to immigrate and start a new life with new freedoms is possible. For the people of America, strength comes from the statue as a burning sense of patriotism and hope. The Statue of Liberty symbolizes these important ideals and continues to represent America and what it means to be an American.
Because of its intriguing past and the principles it symbolizes, the Statue of Liberty is the most important national monument to me. The Statue of Liberty is the mixing pot, it takes the tired, poor, hungry, and unrepresented, the different ethnicities, sexes, cultures, and ideas, and welcomes them into a new life with opportunities and freedoms. To me, that makes Lady Liberty a marvelous, influential, and significant national monument.
Justin Julian
Second place winner is Justin Julian of Rochelle, an RTHS senior.
He wrote:
The nation has birthed some of the most iconic monuments to date. We had endured some of the most heart-wrenching events throughout history, and these monuments were born from those events to honor and commemorate what has happened to us as a nation. However, people debate that some monuments serve a greater representation than others.
I believe we should admire, love, and honor all of our great monuments simply because they all commemorate memories of the events that make us, us. However, I believe the Statue of Liberty holds a strong importance.
I will not say that the Statue of Liberty is more important than our other great monuments, but the Statue of Liberty holds a very interesting message. Lady Liberty, who bears symbolism all throughout her body, helps us realize the importance of our great nation. The Statue of Liberty was commissioned by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi in the late 19th century as a gift to the American people.
Lady Liberty serves as a symbol of teamwork between the French and the Americans, as a representation of freedom during the Civil War, and as a marker of achievement. The Statue of Liberty has so many qualities and values that make her so wonderful. However, despite the debates that arise about what true quality Lady Liberty truly represents.
I strongly believe that Lady Liberty represents the purest form of our greatest qualities as a nation. What Lady Liberty truly stands for lies not just within her apparel, her origin, or her site of location, but Lady Liberty’s true power and recognition come from the people who have the opportunity to see her greatness.
The message she gives to all is what makes her so powerful. During the immigration boom in the early 20th century, she was there to greet all. Lady Liberty, with her torch in one hand representing the ideals of progress, with her codex bearing the date JULY IV MDCCLXXVI representing the date of our Independence Day, and with her crown bearing seven rays which represent the unity of the seven continents and seas, all under one person, was there to show the world who we are.  We are Americans. We are proud people who paved the way to freedom, justice, and liberty to all through hardship and might. We are the home of the brave and the land of the free.
To those people who ventured far to find a new home in the US, she was there to greet them in New York. Lady Liberty is the beacon of hope to not just us, but the world. God bless her creation, for the many people who sacrificed themselves so that we can enjoy the life we have here is shown through her and so many more.
God bless the United States of America and all who have sacrificed to make us the greatest nation amongst all.