The word "pledge" is one of those rare words that we hear often, but probably rarely use everyday.

Aside from the last time I recited the Pledge of Allegiance, I don't recall the last time the word fell across my lips.

But the word "pledge" was running through my mind on Saturday morning. With a little coffee in our veins and pencils in our hands, five of us met at the VFW hall on Third Street to judge a few pledges.

The purpose was the local judging of the Patriot's Pen, a youth essay writing contest sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary.

Directing and overseeing the four judges was Mark Caniff, VFW District 12, Youth Activities Chairman. Among the five judges were: Marsha Kerns, recently retired from the Rock Hill school system; Harold Spears, an Ironton attorney and veteran of the U.S. Navy; Judge Richard Walton, Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas; and your truly.

The theme of the contest was: My Pledge to America. Seventh and eighth-graders from across the area competed in the contest.

Of the 13 entries, the work of 13-year-old Lauren Knipp of Ironton stood out as the first-place winner. Her entry will go on

to compete at the regional, state and national levels. The national winners can receive up to a $10,000 savings bond.

It was fascinating to see how the youth of tomorrow see our country. Some wrote of the need to reduce crime. Others focused on the need to reduce hunger in the United States and abroad. Others focused on terrorism and the need for Americans to fight to protect the freedoms we hold so dear.

Some students targeted litter and being nice to others, essentially promoting volunteerism. Others focused on their desire to grow up, become well-educated and productive members of American society.

Many of the essay writers already recognized the importance of exercising their right to vote, once they become of legal age.

Regardless of the subject matter, the essay proved to me that our children are watching and learning from the world in which they live. They are soaking up every bit of information they can find about our country and its place in the world community.

Reading all of the essays, made me stop and think about what each of us does for the country that has given us so much freedom and protection.

Judging by the essays read Saturday morning, I know 13 students who can proudly tell you their pledge.

What would be your pledge to America?

Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Ironton Tribune. He can be reached at (740) 532-1445 ext 12 or by e-mail to: kevin.cooper@irontontribune.com.