Each year, graduating seniors across the Vail Valley prepare for the next chapter of their lives while also pursuing scholarship opportunities that recognize academic achievement, character, and community involvement.

One such opportunity is the Minturn Mt. Holy Cross VFW Post 10721 Scholarship, awarded annually to a graduating senior from one of the valley’s six high schools. In addition to academic success, the scholarship honors students who demonstrate strong citizenship, patriotism, and service to others. As part of the application process, students are asked to reflect on the question: “What does patriotism mean to you?”

In celebration of Independence Day, we are honored to share thoughtful essays from Gracen Kennedy and Beau Suman as they reflect on patriotism through the lenses of history, architecture, travel, opportunity, and appreciation for the place they call home.

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Patriotism can mean many things. For some people it means serving their country or showing pride through national symbols, but to me it also means protecting the traditions and stories that shaped the United States’ history. One of the most meaningful ways to preserve those stories is through historic buildings, monuments, and landmarks. These places represent the history, struggles, and achievements that built our nation. By maintaining and protecting them, future generations are able to better understand how our country came to be and what America stands for.

To me, architecture and landmarks serve as a physical document of the past. Courthouses, battle memorials, historic towns, and community buildings show how people lived, worked, and governed in the past. Walking through these places allows people to connect with history in a way that books or photographs cannot fully capture. Preserving these buildings honors the people who built them and the communities that developed around them. Each structure carries a story of the time in which it was created, reflecting the culture, values, and priorities of the people who lived there.

I also believe that protecting these historic pieces of our country can bring people together. Every town and city has places that represent its history and character. These landmarks often become symbols of pride for the community and reminders of the generations who came before. When communities take pride in preserving these spaces, it strengthens a shared sense of identity and unity. Historic landmarks allow people to feel connected not only to their local community, but also to the broader story of their country.

As someone aspiring to become an architect, historic culture within structures is especially important to me. These buildings not only serve as symbols of patriotism, but they also provide valuable lessons in design, craftsmanship, and creativity. Studying historic structures allows architects to understand how materials, techniques, and styles evolved over time. Many modern buildings still carry influences from older architectural styles, showing how the past continues to shape the present. I hope to build a career that both respects historic design and contributes new ideas that future generations will appreciate.

In the end, patriotism is about caring for one’s country and the people who helped shape it. Preserving historic buildings and landmarks is a meaningful way to show that care. By protecting the structures that represent our history and culture, we honor the generations who came before us while ensuring that their legacy continues to inspire the future. Through preservation, architecture becomes more than just construction, it becomes a lasting tribute to the identity, history, and pride of a nation.

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When I was in my second semester of my sophomore year, my family and I landed in Venice, Italy, which began an experience that would truly open my eyes to so many things, one of which being patriotism. Looking back, I was overcome with emotions because I had no idea what I was walking into. What started out five years ago as a dream, I realized as we landed in Italy, was actually happening. We had left the place I was born and raised and called home for a five-month trip around the globe.

Travelling throughout Europe, Australia, and Asia, I learned so much about these places but also about myself. I felt a sense of pride being from America. I think patriotism is having pride in the place we live and also making it as vibrant as we can. Travelling through all these countries and seeing so many cultures, it made me reflect on my values and why I valued where I live so much and how I would continue to value it. I learned to appreciate very small things, like the people that made home feel like home. I also learned to appreciate the big things, like the freedom and the opportunity I am given by just being born in the US. Patriotism isn't just about having pride

but also making the most of the opportunities.

Living on the remote island of Rote, Indonesia, was the furthest I felt from home, both physically and mentally. It taught me so much more than just how to surf. While my mom,

sister, and I were constantly on our toes, we put a lot of trust in my dad to guide us through the

two weeks in Indonesia. This part of me showed me resilience; I was made of more than I thought because of the place and people I was around. This strength gave me the realization of how a place really is home. The place I felt most at home was the place I loved and was proud to be from. The closer we got to the end of the trip, the more anxious we got to leave. I felt the distance between my people and I longed for the connection.

Travelling the world for 5 months made my sense of pride and belonging to a country so strong because I know I was given these opportunities for a reason and I realized that in order to show my patriotism, I have to make the most of them and be grateful for the place I call home.