The Darien Times

By Alexa Becket Hearle, Royle fifth grader

I was born in 1767. When I was young, I lived on a big plantation in South Carolina. My siblings and I played together but didn't have many other playmates except at church.  I had 6 brothers and 5 sisters so outings were a big deal for my family. We went to the Presbyterian Church in town every Sunday where I met a boy who was my age and who became one of my best friends. His name was Andy. I felt bad for him because his father had died three weeks before he was born, and he never knew him.

When we were fourteen, Andy went to work in the saddle maker's shop to help his family.  I loved going there to see the saddles being made and fitted on the horses. Sometimes we got to ride the horses and had long rides and talks. Andy wanted to be a lawyer when he grew up. He was really smart. I knew he would be a great man someday.

That year Andy's mother died of cholera. His two brothers had died in the war that our country was fighting for independence from England — the Revolutionary War. Andy had to move and go live with his uncles. I missed him a lot. It would be a long time before I would hear his name again.
Many years passed. Our country had changed quite a bit. We had had independence for over 30 years, traveled by stagecoach, saw a big military school named West Point built, purchased Louisiana and could no longer bring in slaves. Then in 1812, we found ourselves at war again.

The new war was between America and England. The British were interfering with our shipping and encouraging our Native American problems. I took care of our home and family while my husband and older boys were away fighting.
My husband returned from the war in 1815 and spent a lot of time talking about his last experience in a battle in New Orleans. He talked about the British planning to attack New Orleans after they burned Washington, D.C. and about the night attack to hold them back. He spoke of the courageous Major General who led them into battle and how he felt they had won this battle because of this leader's military expertise. They had made mud ditches as a barricade and were able to kill many British as they marched across open fields. New Orleans was saved. It was not until my husband mentioned this fearless leader's name — Andrew Jackson- that I realized what had happened to my dear friend Andy. He had truly become a great man.

It is important to honor great American heroes. From the selfless and brave people like Andrew Jackson, others can learn what it takes to honor our country and stand up for our freedom. From the heroes in the early years of our country to the heroes of September 11th, we see the goodness and strength of the American people. It is the heroic actions of these people that have made our country what it is today.