“Those who fought for the Union” essay/oratory contest

This stained glass memorial to those who fought for the Union in the Civil War is in Lansdowne Christian Church – Hull Memorial in Baltimore County. Charles Hull, a Civil War veteran and Baltimore real estate investor, gave the building for the church, and each year on the Sunday before Memorial Day the church honors Hull and other long-gone veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic. I am posting this today because I savor events that celebrate the Union (and not the other guys) and because April 15 is the deadline for entries in an essay contest — with a $1000 prize — being conducted by the church.

Here are details of that:

The Hull Memorial Prize again calls forth “very able” communicators to stir contemporary attendees at the Church’s ongoing Memorial Day celebration.

As the featured speaker of its Grand Army Day Service, the prize winner will rouse the 21st century congregations with pride and gratitude for those who gave their lives in service to our country, imbuing in them the same spirit for which Lansdowne Christian Church was dedicated.
The prize is not limited to students, nor to any age group, though submissions from juniors (individuals under 16 years of age) will be judged separately.
Prize winners will present their submission live to the church congregation and others in attendance at 10 am on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend as the featured speaker of its Grand Army Day Service.
Presentations should be 10-15 minutes in duration (5 minutes or more for junior submissions) and address a topic related to the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), Memorial Day, notable veterans, or individuals/groups who have demonstrated service to the country in foreign or domestic conflict or in the service of promoting celebration of the same.
Submissions of written text or other media formats are welcome and are to be accompanied by a video sample of the speaker’s presentational style.
In addition to distinction and a receptive audience, The Hull Memorial Prize winner will be awarded a check in the amount of $1,000.00 ($500.00 for a junior prize winner).

Submissions by April 15 to lanscc@gmail.com.