Recently, members of Marietta Elks Lodge offered a challenge to local students to compose and submit brief essays on the subject “What Does Service to Your Country Mean to you?”. This was open to students in grades 5,6,7 and 8. It was an honor and a blessing to have the privilege to get to read the words of these young people, and see what they have on their minds and hearts about their role in our Republic.

We were inspired and encouraged by what they shared. We have students in our community who are truly growing into responsible and well-rounded Citizens and future contributors to our Society. They expressed a sense of personal responsibility and intentional action for myriad acts of service, including informed voting and Civic participation, volunteering to help with community clean-up and charity food drives, military enlistment or Commission, being active in Church and family and local community support organizations, studying and working to be solid contributors to our Society.

Choosing first, second, and third place entries for local prizes and advancement to District and State competitions was very difficult, as all of the essays were enjoyable in different ways. This year’s winners will be presented their certificates and prizes soon, and we are already planning to get the 2026 competition invitations to all Washington County schools, including private and home schoolers in the last week of this coming July. All parents and teachers are encouraged to have their children put their thoughts to paper, not just for the competition, but for the learning and serious contemplation experience it provides.

On behalf of all Members of Elks Lodge 477 in Marietta, we thank all who participated and we look forward with optimism and anticipation of a fine year of celebrations of the birth of our Nation. May God continue to bless America.

Bruce Haas

Chico Schob

Bill Strickler

Mark Duckworth

Marietta Elks Lodge #477