In a move to stir up a sense of national pride among the young, Missouri's Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger has announced the "Lieutenant Governor’s Award for American Patriotism" in anticipation of America's 250th Independence Day; the competition beckons Missouri students from kindergarten through 12th grade to articulate their American pride through words. As reported by the Office of Missouri Lieutenant Governor, the essay contest is part of a broader initiative to foster a sense of reverence for the nation's history of liberty, the sacrifices of its founders, and the country's core values which Wasinger believes are being overshadowed by divisive narratives.
Participants can choose between prompts, crafting responses to "I am proud to be an American because…" or "I love America because…"; the submissions vary in length depending on the age group, and all letters need to be postmarked by March 1, 2026. Wasinger, aiming to deepen the historical consciousness of Missouri's youth, told the Office of Missouri Lieutenant Governor, "It is imperative that we pass these principles on to the next generation," expressing his anticipation for the contest's ability to draw out sincere reflections from participants.
The contest is not just a solo endeavor but also garners support from other state officials, like State Representative Darin Chappell, who recalled the patriotic fervor of the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations and stressed the importance of imparting the nation's distinctive Liberty narrative to young citizens. "The education of our children in the unique qualities of Liberty enshrined in our nation’s 250 year history is imperative for them to mature into well-rounded Citizens," he remarked, highlighting the educational component of the contest, as per the Office of Missouri Lieutenant Governor.
Moreover, Renee Pace, the Chairwoman of the America 250 Missouri Commission, commended the essay contest as a stellar chance for Missouri's students to engage in patriotic contemplation and to find inspiration in their love for the nation; she envisioned this initiative as a means to inspire young Missourians to pursue purpose through service, stating, "May students find this activity inspirational, feel a stirring within their soul, and answer the call to take action." Awardees from the essay contest will be coronated during a recognition ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol on June 26, where they will showcase their essays, according to the Office of Missouri Lieutenant Governor.
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