This month, 369 essays by Walsh Intermediate School (WIS) students described "What Memorial Day Means to Me" for a panel of very impressed judges, who had the daunting job of choosing the top ten.

"We had a difficult time narrowing down the top ten essay finalists, and found worthy entries from all four grades at WIS," said contest coordinator and Branford Veterans Parade Committee/Memorial Day Parade chairman Bill O'Brien.

Top prize winner Bryanna Lye, a sixth grader at WIS (Team 6-1) and second place winner Alec Aceves-Acosta, an eighth grader (Team 8-2) are invited to read their winning essays as part of Branford's May 29 Memorial Day Ceremonies.

The annual Captain Thomas Yester Memorial Day essay contest, organized by the Branford Veterans Parade Committee, was once again supported with gift cards generously sponsored by the Branford Community Foundation (BCF).

The top ten essays were written by students representing every grade level at WIS (5-8). The ten winners were also presented with award certificates.

Lye received a $100 Trailblazer gift card courtesy BCF. Her winning essay reads: "When most people think of Memorial Day, to them it's opening their pool, barbeques and going to the beach, basically the first day of 'summer. ' But the real meaning is, the day of remembrance. The day we thank the ones who passed away fighting for us. To me this day is to honor the men and women that didn't get to come home. The ones who didn't get to see their family one more time. To me, it also means putting up an American flag, visiting them at their grave, and giving flowers. Visiting local monuments dedicated to soldiers and marines. Even one prayer for them that night would be my way of saying thank you, and appreciating them and what they have done. This is what Memorial Day means to me. And thank you, for risking your lives for us."

BCF sponsored a $75 Trailblazer gift card given to Acosta for his second-place essay.

Acosta wrote, "On May 29, America will celebrate Memorial Day. Every day, my road to school places me next to the cemetery near the Green. On Memorial Day, I pause to honor the names on the gravestones that died protecting America. To me, Memorial Day is about remembering our fallen compatriots that fought to the last breath to defend our country. I remember all the ordinary people that joined the army, became soldiers, and then became heroes. The people who valued keeping their country's citizens safe above their own life. Thus, when asked what this day means to me, I say Memorial Day is about honoring the soldiers who died keeping every one of us safe."

BCF also sponsored $25 Hornet's Nest gift certificates, given to each of the remaining eight essayists in the top ten. The winners are, in alphabetical order: Sydney Baker, Bryn Carvin, Brody Fagan, Mia Katz, Brandon Leigh, Giovanna Lyon, Mackenzie McLean and Rachel Pepe.

O'Brien said the contest receives tremendous support annually from WIS.

"We are very pleased that the administration at Walsh is so supportive of this project", said O'Brien. "The Social Studies teachers are to be commended as well in their effort to make the students aware of why there is this sacred holiday to honor those fallen in all wars."

Zip06/The Sound thanks Bill O'Brien for contributing information for this story.