Congratulations to Jacob Walters who was just announced the winner of Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America essay contest!  Below are the profound word this young man articulated in his essay:

Grand-Prize winner, a 15 year old Jacob Walters from Peosta, Iowa:

What does a free and strong America mean to me?

It means I have the right to follow my dreams, to strive for success, to be innovative, to do as I, the individual sees fit. A free America is a place where you are free to think as you please. A country that thrives, not because of the government, but because of the people. A place where everyone can aspire to succeed, any goal can be accomplished; all you must do is try.

It’s a place where no one is treated different because of religion, race or gender. The promise of freedom is what called our ancestors to endure many hardships and make a new life together. They all came together, and by embracing their differences, they grew stronger. That’s what a free America means

to me; a place where we all have an equal chance of success.

What does a strong America mean to me?

It’s a place that is unified, that stands ready to defend its freedom, and to help those without it, get it. An America that doesn’t tolerate oppression. A nation that has self discipline, responsibility and appreciation for those who died to defend it. Strength that we use to defend our belief in individual freedom.

To me, a free and strong America is a land of opportunity were you can chase your dreams, and where we have a chance to make them come true.