The Congressional Medal of Honor

Every morning I see what I think is a great symbol for honor, respect, and sacrifice. That is the flag of the United States of America. To me it is more than a flag. It represents our fifty states and the third teen original colonies. Also represents all the men and women who put there lives at risk so that flag can stand tall. All the men and women are are beyond people to me. They are protectors of the flag, this country, and even me. There is always those who go over the top. The Medal of Honor recipients do what has to be done no questions asked. Their stories are extraordinary no matter who hears it. They have the highest honor any one can have.

The Medal of Honor means a lot to me. The one thing that stands out more is the sacrifices one had to do. Like they had to leave their personnel lives behind so other people can have them. Leaving loved ones and friends behind to fight for a country that gave it to you. I can't forget them putting there lives at risk. Standing at the front lines knowing that they might not make it back. Thinking of everyone they care because it might be the last time they saw them. Instead of backing off and playing it safe they fight until they can't anymore. The aftermath is always the hardest to get through. They could have been seriously injured or even die. It is always hard to get through changes. Somehow they manage to get though and stand tall with the respect they deserve.

Like everything else in life we must work for something. Nothing is just given away for no reason especially the Medal of Honor. The bravery it took to do what they did is unmeasurable. Staying calm is always hard because they is where the mind thinks the worse can happen. In war it could happen and to stay calm during that time is hard. Some manage to do it and since their minds are calm they stay focus on what they are supposed to do. Going under heavy fire to do something or help someone is not an easy task. Many people will think about it, some will try to ignore it or send someone else. Few will decide to run through and so the task they try to do. Without thinking twice or wondering what could happen to them. They know they could get hurt but they still do it. To me that is true bravery no matter what they say to me.

Heroes look for no reward no matter what they did. They say that it was the right thing to do. Well not everyone will but their live on the line for other people. Sometimes the right thing to do isn't the easiest. Also they didn't do it for recognition or a reward. No one asked for a parade or day for them. They didn't do it for a special reason they did it because it was the right thing. Many think that they just didn't deserve it there whole squad or platoon. In my mind they are all heroes that will never be forgotten.

So every time I say the Pledge of Allegiance I say it proud. There is nothing to be ashamed off. I know there is men and women who fought for the flag and our rights. They didn't do anything wrong that they don't deserve the Medal of Honor. They did anything that was possible to do their task in the army. Went beyond the call of duty when no one asked them to. They are better than people in a uniform they are heroes for a country that stands for so much.

THANKS YOU

Dear Frank Herda,
My name is Ruben Martinez. I am currently a sophomore at Farragut Career Academy. I am in the JROTC program and my rank is a SGT. The reason I'm writing to you is I wanted to recognize the sacrifice you made.To block a grenade with your body. That must had taken a lot of courage. Not everyone would do that. That is why I think you deserve the Medal of Honor.

You went to war to fight for our rights. If you didn't maybe today we wouldn't of have them. Also giving this great nation hope. Many people always have doubts of war. I am sure this sacrifice will change there mind. You have also set up an example we can all look up to. Today so called heroes aren't what we need. We need a hero that shows us that we should look after ourselves we should look out for everyone.

Hearing your experience made me realize something. That when I'm down I am not out until I am dead. Just because the odds are against you doesn't mean We lost. Also that nothing is impossible we can do what we really want. You survived a grenade blast that showed me that in war and life there is no giving up. One for all and all for one. I really never knew the meaning to this until I heard about you. That truly we leave no one behind.

I would really like it if we had a Medal of Honor recipients day. Were we all hold a huge ceremony for all the Medal of Honor recipients for what they have done. People can also go and show how much they are thankful for the actions the recipients did. One more thing is recognition for what you did. We can all talk and say we would do it. Mr. Herda you didn't let your words speak your actions did.

So every June 29 from now on I will light a candle in your honor. Thank you Mr. Herda for everything.

Sincerely,
Cadet Sergeant Ruben Martinez

For The Fallen

Frank A. Herda

Rank and organization:Specialist Fourth Class,United States Army
Place and date: June 29, 1968 Vietnam War
Entered service at:Cleveland, Ohio

Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Herda (then Pfc.) distinguished himself while serving as a grenadier with Company A. Company A was part of a battalion-size night defensive perimeter when a large enemy force initiated an attack on the friendly units. While other enemy elements provided diversionary fire and indirect weapons fire to the west, a sapper force of approximately 30 men armed with hand grenades and small charges attacked Company A's perimeter from the east. As the sappers were making a last, violent assault, 5 of them charged the position defended by Sp4c. Herda and 2 comrades, 1 of whom was wounded and lay helpless in the bottom of the foxhole. Sp4c. Herda fired at the aggressors until they were within 10 feet of his position and 1 of their grenades landed in the foxhole. He fired 1 last round from his grenade launcher, hitting 1 of the enemy soldiers in the head, and then, with no concern for his safety, Sp4c. Herda immediately covered the blast of the grenade with his body. The explosion wounded him grievously, but his selfless action prevented his 2 comrades from being seriously injured or killed and enabled the remaining defender to kill the other sappers. By his gallantry at the risk of his life in the highest traditions of the military service, Sp4c. Herda has reflected great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

One way I can thank Mr. Herda is by knowing and using my rights. He risked his life so we can keep them. I would consider it an insult if I didn't know them. Mr. Herda did something extraordinary for the United States of America. He took a grenade blast for his fellow soldiers. He could have gotten away from the grenade but he didn't. So I'm going to know my rights and use them when needed.

MORE GOALS DONE

One goal I accomplished was understand politics. I usually just made form of them but it is way better when I understand them. Like the bills they try to pass and why they matter to me. The economy is really messed up and we need to bring it up. Also global warming is make a huge deal. Also the new president will make history. Either the first african american president or the first female vice president.



Welcome Home - Watch more funny videos here


This is one of the most awesomest rock bands ever. Coheed and Cambria have a total of 4 albums. From all of them my favorite is the one with the longest title ever. The title is Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness. I know many of you are wondering what does this do with my goals? Well they recently came to Chicago and I went. It was awesome.

Also I have gotten way better at Guitar Hero. I use to play on medium on all the songs. Now I can play on hard. I'm the best when I play on hard but I manage. I love playing "Suck My Kiss" by Red Hot Chili Peppers. That song is one of my favorites.Also the "Number of the Beast" by Iron Maiden.

Dream

" I say to you today my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream." Martin Luther King Jr. (pg. 372)

This was important to the speech because he was telling us that we can not quit on a dream. No matter how depressed, anger, frustrated we are the dream must live one. Just because things are not going our way does not mean we have to give up. Dreams were not had to be accomplished easy. If they were then whats the point of them.

This got to me because I give up on my dreams. Maybe because I am lazy and don't want to work hard. I know that I can just be given my dream I must work towards it. Also the African Americans had a positive view of their dreams. That's what you need for your dream to come true.

A Dream Deferred
by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--

And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags

like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

A Dream Deferred

by Ruben Martinez

What happens to a lost dream?
Does it decay into dust?

Or Twitch violently

like an irritated eye

Does it stink like a port a poppy?

Or make you smile

like a childhood memory

Maybe it becomes a heavy load

like the world on your shoulders.

Or does it burn out?

What this poems mean is that what happens to a dream you give up on.Does it just stay there like nothing or takes effect on you. Some people become depressed because their dreams will not come true. Other keep trying until the day comes. What ever happens to your dreams is your decision.

Interviews!

I decided to interview my mom and dad for know there American Dream. The response might be short just bare with me. I was surprised by there answers.

Regina Del Valle
mom

1.What did you think when you heard United States?
I thought that there was a lot of money and I was going to work and have a house.


2.How did you get here?
From Mexico to the border on car. Crossed the border and walked to Phoenix.


3.What helped you make your final decision on coming to America?
I didn't have money and had a daughter to support. You dad had left me.


4.What did you expect on your arrival?
I was going to have a job right away and everything would be easy.


5.What was your American Dream?
To have a house and make a lot of money. Have a better life.



6.What was your first step?
I got a job and worked.



7.What was your first job?
I worked in a factory that made bags for cameras.


8.Why did you quit?
I was pregnant with you.



9.What did you miss from Mexico?
Everything the food, our customs , and especially my family.



10.Did your American Dream come true?
Yes I have a house. I also got something better a family.

my mom, me ,my dad , and my sister

(THERE JESS ARE YOU HAPPY)

Ruben Martinez
Dad

1.What did you think when you heard United States?
That everything was nice. That everything was easy.


2.How did you get here?
I was driven to the border and then I crossed it.

3.What helped you make your final decision on coming to America.?
I had no job and there was no work in Mexico.

4.What did you expect from America?
Have a job and earn a lot of money.

5. What was your American Dream?
Buy a car and a house.



6.What was your first step?
Find a job and work.

7.What was your first job?
I worked in a factory that made book bags.

8.Why did you quit?
I went back to Mexico.

9.Why did you go back?
Your mom was in Mexico.

10.Did your American dream come true?
You should know!! Well yes it did. I got a car and two house in the United States and Mexico.

WHAT I THINK

Some say that white people were documented and that it is easy and why don't immigrants do it. Well most of the white people's ancestor were documented and never left. So they got documented when they were born. All other immigrants have to go through paper work. Which is way more difficult. It takes a long time to do so and they can't wait. They want to build a good future for there family. No matter who you are family mostly comes first.

It is hard to live as an undocumented immigrant. They have to be really careful and safe. They get busted then it is over for them. Imagine this an immigrant has everything job, good family, education for kids. He gets deported he loses everything in. He gets deported he loses everything in a flash. That is the worst feeling in the world losing something really important. All over something that could have prevented.

Let talk about the jobs. Like what my dad says "Their is always work but it is up
to you to do it." This is true in many ways. For one people want to make a good living, but most of them are lazy. They just want it handed to them. They don't want to work for it. Immigrants don't want to do it but they do. Who would you hired a hard working immigrant or a lazy documented person? This is common sense.Why, because they know that if they do good they can get a raise. The money isn't everything. They care about their families and they work for them. Isn't that what America is? Standing for something you believe in.

PROTEST

Immigrants In! Minutemen Out! - The best video clips are here

These people understand immigrants. I support all the way.No matter what race you are. You know when something is wrong.

Scratch Off Three Goals

My first completed goal was go to a concert. It wasn't the Coheed and Cambria concert but it was something. It was the Enrique Inglesias and Aventura concert. It was my sister Yesika, her boyfriend, my dad, my mom and me. I didn't really want to go but I was forced to. We went a but early so we won't get there late. It was at Allstate Arena and last time we went we got lost. Half way there I tell my dad "It would be funny if we forget the tickets." Turns out we did. So we went back got the tickets and went back. We still got there early. I know I was surprised too. It started and it was cool. We got some cool pictures and he was really drunk. Then he jumped off stage to where we were sitting. I got to high five Enrique. It was truly awesome.

The second goal that I completed was play more video-games. I played a lot game of a short period of time. I played mostly online on my Xbox 360. The game I played the most was Gears of War. The story is awesome and so is online play. I played with Exile43. Hahaha Im not going to tell you his real name. We dominated online war zone. Destroyed anyone that got in our way. It was fun. I also played Mario Kart Wii. So many years later that game is still fun.

My third goal I completed was watch of the Death Note episodes. My faces was like his when I finished. The ending was very shocking and awesome. I was like whoa and I can't believe that just happened. All these crazy plot twist and surprises. It was worth every minute. I watch 2 episodes every day at night. Then I was super excited to see the real people movie. They made all the shinigamis look so real. All I got to say is WATCH IT!!!

Philip Jackson

Philip Jackson
St. Louis Missouri
Age:86

People ask me until this day. Why do you still talk about slave days? Don't you want to forget it? As much as I want to forget the past, I want people to know the pain and suffering I have been through.I had a mighty mean master. He went by the name of William Smith. He whipped us for his mistakes. This one time some crops were moved, but Mr. Smith did not see them being moved. He thought that we stole them. Mr. Smith sent his overseers to whip all the slave that were near that crop. When we were doing being whipped the crops were found. So we were whipped again for not saying that they were moved. To him we were stress relivers.

I was seperated from my mom and dad in a slave trade. So I just had my sister with me. I told my sister that we will never be seperated.That someday we will runaway and look for mom and dad. When I was 16 my sister being 19 we were planning to escape. Our master was really mad for no reason. He ordered all the overseer to whip every single one of us. So while everyone was being whipped my sis and I ran. They sent the hounds after us. We were weak from hunger and sore body, but we were not gonna give up. We ran so far we didnt know where we ended up. I man in blue can up to us. I thought to myself so much trouble to get caught. Turns out we were in Illinois a free state.

We meet a man called Robert Jackson took us into his home. We were still pretty young to he taught us to read and write. He was a good friend. I told him about my parents and how we ran away. One morning he gave us some long papers. Mr. Jackson told us "We are going back to St. Louis." I didn't want to go neither did my sister. Then he said "We are going to look for your mom and dad." I saw my master again while we were there. He told me that I will pay for running away. I just ignored him and turned away.We never found my mom or dad. I was sure glad Mr. Jackson helped us look for them. In case you are wondering I did take my name from Mr. Jackson. He told me his dad name was Philip. So I took the name Philip Jackson. In honor of Robert Jackson for helping us.

My Values

I have three main values. They are freedom of speech, education and family. I feel like freedom of speech is the most important one. That is what makes this country so great. Being able to speak your mind. Also we have brave men and women fighting for that right. Education is second important because we can get a better future. We work hard now to relax later in life. Family is my third important value. Without there support we might have given up a lot of times. I work hard to impress my parents and my older sister.

Most American values are money, power, and entertaintment. Since most American dreams are to be rich. Most people will do anything to be rich. Sometimes it is sad because you will see good people brought down. Power is a huge value to America. We want the world to be like America. Have a Bill of Rights, Constitution and laws like in here. This is one reason why we go to war. Entertaintment is some what of a value. That is why we have websites like Youtube and Myspace to see if we can find talent.

To me my values are way to different from America's values. America's value can make good people go bad. Fame and fortune can be taken away quickly. Too much power can corrupt a good soul. Freedom of speech, education, and family can never be taken away. I can trust that my values are always going to be there. I will fight to make sure I don't lose these values.

An Introduction of Me

Yo the name is Ruben Martinez. Ruben means behold a son and it is Hebrew. I was named after my father.

Three adjectices that describe me are

bizarre

slothful

childish

One thing I have done that no else has done in my class is take a shower outside when it was raining. I was bored so I got my soap and ran outside.

These are my fifthteen goals

1.Read a whole manga series.

2.Get better at Guitar Hero.

3.Go to the movies more.

4.Play more video games.

5.Write two stories

6.Discover new music

7.Go to a concert. COHEED AND CAMBRIA!!!

8.Finish Super Mario Bros.

9.Read all of Dr. Seuss' books.

10.See The Dark Knight.

11.Stop slacking off.

12.Learn to play my guitar.

13.Save energy.

14.Understand politics.

15.Watch All the episodes of Death Note