Day's essay,

titled "My Pledge to America," took first place at the 16th

District competition, which consists of seven VFW posts including the

one in Peachtree City. Day's essay was entered into the district contest

after earning first place honors at the local competition sponsored by

the Peachtree City post.

In her essay,

Day writes about the meaning of the words in the Pledge of Allegiance

and how it is everyone's responsibility to set a good example for America

"Every

time we are friendly to a person, we are expressing some of America's

values. My vow to my country is to be a good role model for America,"

she states in her essay.

As the district

winner, Day received a $200 savings bond and a certificate to commemorate

her achievement. She says she looks forward to showing the award to her

father, an engineer in the U.S. Army, when he returns home from Iraq in

December.