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A voice for democracy
1/25/2012 12:19:56 PM
By Tammy Kimberley
Splash Staff Writer
Profiles:
Michael Tan
As Michael Tan completes applications for college, he may mention his interest in language study or how he is a travel enthusiast and tutor. But he recently acquired another role he could add to his list - "Outstanding Spokesperson for Freedom."
On a suggestion from a teacher at Classical Christian Academy in Post Falls, where he attends, Tan entered the Voice of Democracy audio essay competition last fall sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. For the competition, he recorded an audio speech that was judged on originality, content and delivery around the 2011-12 theme, "Is there pride in serving in our military?"
Tan was awarded first place in his district (one of seven in the state of Idaho) by the VFW and was given the designation of "Outstanding Spokesperson for Freedom." His speech was also entered in statewide competition that took place earlier this month in Boise. Advertisement
This Liberty Lake resident recently shared with The Splash what he learned from the competition and how it deepened his understanding and appreciation of the freedom available in the U.S.
Excerpt from Voice of Democracy essay written by Michael Tan:
"If most of us are being honest I'd say we are a fearful people, fearful of a life in the military. We respect those who put their life on the line for us, yet we are not so willing to do the same. What do we fear? We fear death, we fear discipline, we fear danger and we fear uncertainty. Though I may not be serving in the military, I believe our brave men and women who fight for our freedom hold great pride in what they do." |
Q: What made you decide to enter the VFW audio essay competition?
A: I learned of the VFW opportunity from my teacher, Jenna Bailey, just one week prior to the cutoff date back in November. I would love to say I took six months to prepare, but I didn't.
I had to submit an audio and text version of my essay to the local VFW in Post Falls. The speech was focused on the topic of "Is there pride in serving in our military?"
Q: Were you surprised to be selected as the winner for the district?
A: Yes, I was surprised to take first place. I was invited to a VFW luncheon in Sandpoint knowing that I had made it into the top three. In Sandpoint, I received a standing ovation - quite a humbling endorsement from these amazing veterans. They were very gracious.
Q: Did the judges panel consist completely of veterans?
A: I presume the judges were all veterans, but I don't know that for sure. My experience at the Sandpoint luncheon with the veterans and having an opportunity to visit with many of them that day definitely was the "ground zero" of my new appreciation for the military and the freedom we share.
Q: And then you attended the Idaho state VFW banquet in Boise earlier this month. What was that experience like?
A: There were 1,001 Idaho submissions overall. I represented district 1. Out of the 7 district winners, I tied for 4th at state.
Q: So what immediately comes to your mind when you think of freedom?
A: When I first think of freedom, the idea of sacrifice comes to mind. The amount of vigor our founding fathers put into the privilege of establishing freedom amazes me. That sacrifice continues today through the efforts of our military in maintaining the freedom established long ago.
Q: Has this process helped you become more aware of our freedom or not to take the freedom we have in this country for granted?
A: Absolutely. Before participating in this competition, I didn't really have an understanding of veterans and the price for freedom. Looking back, I can definitely say I have a new appreciation for the military and the privilege of living in America.
Q: So beyond being a spokesman for democracy, what other goals do you have in life?
A: Travel. Our family loves to travel, and we have taken several exotic vacations. I also want to be fluent in Mandarin and French. (I'm planning to) go into the medical field and considering becoming an ENT surgeon.
Q: What are some of the more memorable places you've visited?
A: Some of my more memorable trips would include the five weeks we spent in France and Italy over the Christmas holidays in 2010-2011. Also: many of the smaller islands in the eastern Caribbean.
Q: Do you believe your travels have made you more aware of the freedoms we have in the U.S.?
A: Definitely. The clearest example of the awareness of U.S. freedoms would be in economic differences such as the elegance of the Champs-Elysees (France) to the simple beauty of Cinque Terre (Italy) and the rambling shacks of local vendors of St. Kitts.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
A: I would definitely encourage all students to participate in the VFW competition. The Patriot's Pen competition is for students in grades 6-8 and the Voice of Democracy is for grades 9-12. The experience will broaden a student's view and appreciation of our veterans.
Profiles:
Michael Tan
Age
17
Family
Parents, Winston and Julie Tan; sibling, Madison Tan
School
Senior at Classical Christian Academy in Post Falls
Interests
Travel, wakeboarding, backpacking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, reading, golf, piano and language study
Favorite musician
Michael Bublé
Lived in Liberty Lake
3 years
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