This Year we have an entry for the Auxiliary’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Awards scholarship program. The winning entry is from Andrew Chen at Hamilton High School in Queen Creek.
This program is open to students in grades 9-12, a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National, and a student in the sponsoring VFW Auxiliary’s state. The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $29,500. For more details visit the VFW Auxiliary’s National webpage at https://vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships/young-american-creative-patriotic-art-contest/.
Andrew’s typed explanation:
Reunion
This portrait of a military father reuniting with his child after long years of war, separation, and torment represents the arduous yet valiant sacrifice our brave soldiers decide to make when they dedicate their lives to fighting for our country. They voluntarily leave the comfort and security of their homes to serve America.
The flags and vibrant colors symbolize the blissful celebration of life and happiness that comes with a family reunion, while they grey reflections of stalwart soldiers in the middle represent the veteran’s struggles leading up to this point – experiences that will remain in history forever. The veteran’s fight for his life and country exhibits a brilliant show of patriotism by answering his call to duty. This piece is dedicated to those who willingly sacrifice themselves to the greater good of our liberty and those who have fought in the name of our freedom.
