Nathanael “Nate” Knorr, a senior at Joel Barlow High School, has been named the winner of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10059’s Voice of Democracy 2023–2024 contest. The Post serves Trumbull, Shelton, Monroe, Easton and Redding.
The Voice of Democracy program, which started in 1947, provides high school students across the country with the opportunity to write and record a patriotic-themed essay. VFW Posts around the country select local students as nominees for the contest who go on to compete at the state and federal level for a scholarship. Knorr was awarded $200 from VFW Post 10059, which serves Trumbull, Shelton, Monroe, Easton and Redding.
The theme for the 2023-2024 contest was “What are the greatest attributes of our democracy?”
“I wanted to try and touch upon something that I feel is often underappreciated or ignored in favor of more traditional answers such as ‘freedom to ___’,” said Knorr. “The most important aspect of our democracy is how we are a nation always prepared to defend itself, yet unwilling to be the aggressor.”
Knorr said his research into his essay drew from the work of German jurist Rudolf von Jhering and the legacy of George Washington. Citing von Jhering, Knorr quoted him as follows: “It can truthfully be said: the energy and love with which a people embraces and maintains its rights is proportionate to the labor and the effort it has expended to win them.” Knorr linked this sentiment to the military and political actions of George Washington during the founding of the United States.
Knorr’s participation in the contest was partly encouraged by his family’s history of military service and a keen interest in current global conflicts. He said his uncle’s experiences as a civil engineer in Afghanistan and the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war have influenced his views on the sacrifices made in the name of democracy.
“I know his time there was very impactful, not just for him but for the entirety of that side of my family,” said Knorr. “From learning about that arose part of my drive to ensure that we recognize the sacrifices that have been made.”
Army Reserve Lt. Col. Robert Mraz, the Easton-Redding coordinator for VFW Post 10059, described the program’s goals.
“The Voice of Democracy is to instill a sense of patriotism, foster patriotism in today’s youth and foster appreciation for the United States of America,” said Mraz. “Nathanael Knorr became the first-ever recipient of the program in Easton and Redding.”
Mraz, a 26-year-veteran, has had a long career in the army from Vietnam to NATO’s intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Now he has found a new mission through the VFW.
“What I learned is that when you were in the military uniform, your service never really ended, so I willingly went back into it,” said Mraz.
There are additional programs available for the Easton community. “We have the Teacher of the Year award for teachers who promote veterans and America. We also have the Red, White and Blue contest, which is a national anthem singing contest for youth in grades K–12,” he said.
In reflecting on his accomplishment, Knorr advocated for his peers to do their part.
“Nothing is free, and there are some payments we can’t afford to fall behind on,” said Knorr. “My generation must learn how to pay the price for our freedom, and together we must find how to minimize those sacrifices instead of racking up interest on them.”
To learn more about scholarships, programs and resources offered by the VFW, you can go to Post 10059’s web page.
