Patriotic Essay Contest !

Patriotic Essay Topic 2024

The years from 1861 to 1866 were extremely turbulent for our country. The Civil War loomed, placing brother against brother. During this time, the women of both the North and the South joined the conflict by playing a large role in the care of the wounded, as well as the care of widows and orphans. These women worked to set up field hospitals, worked as nurses and doctors, and "angels of mercy".

While we all know the story of Clara Barton and her role during the Civil War and her part in the establishment of the American Red Cross, there are thousands of other women who felt the need to do their part even though none of their family members were serving in the military. They came from quite diverse backgrounds, even former enslaved women and nuns. These women put themselves in harm's way to help in any way they could. They comforted and cared for those who were wounded, and helped those who could not be healed to pass with as much comfort as they were able.

This year's WRC Patriotic Essay Contest topic is to acknowledge those women and the services they provided. Choose one of the following and write at least a 500-word essay that includes citations.

1. Identify a specific woman, other than Clara Barton, and write about her contributions to the medical needs of troops during the Civil War.
2. Identify a specific charitable organization and write about the formation of it and how it assisted the soldiers and/or their families during the Civil War.