TODAY'S TOPIC: Memorial Day is observed on May 26 this year. We asked what freedoms you are grateful for thanks to the men and women who fought and died to secure and preserve those freedoms.

I'm grateful for freedom and peace. We don't have to be a kind of religion and we can celebrate any kind of holiday. I thank the Army for keeping us safe. Every Memorial Day, my cousin and I go to the cemetery and put flowers on graves. I also visit my Uncle Jimmy's grave because he was in the Army.
Chyenne Phillipps, 10
Township Elementary
Simi Valley

To be a citizen of the United States, we don't know how lucky we are. We have so many privileges that many other countries don't have. We gained many of our freedoms by fighting in wars but we have lost many soldiers in them, too. To be in America, we are lucky to have our own freedom of speech. In my point of view, I think freedom of speech is one of the best Amendments. You are allowed to speak your mind and not get arrested for it. On Memorial Day we remember the soldiers who died fighting to give us this freedom. For so many people, to live in America and have fair rights, we are truly one of the luckiest countries in the world.
Ashley Hirsch, 11
Oakwood School
North Hollywood

When I came to U.S.A., it was the first time in my life visiting somewhere. When I learn this country, United States of America, is free, I felt good. Everyday when I see the news, I see people risking their life to save this country. Freedom is an opportunity to start a life and do whatever you can. I always will remember all those people who died from a war defending our country. I will always remember that this country is a free country. I was born in Korea but I shall never forget why I came here.
Daniel Kim, 11
Township Elementary
Simi Valley

The freedom that I most appreciate is freedom of the press. It is not in many countries that you are allowed to write whatever you want and not be imprisoned. I realized how thankful I was for this when I visited the Newseum in Washington D.C. It is a museum just about the history of news. Without freedom of the press, we would be completely oblivious to things that are happening around us.
Connor Resnick, 12
Oakwood School
North Hollywood

The freedom that I am most grateful for is freedom of choice. I'm grateful for being able to choose whether I would like to be a Democrat, Republican, Libertarian or even, Independent. I am also grateful that we can choose what religion we want to be and even, what we want to wear.
Meredith Menchel, 12
Oakwood School
North Hollywood

I think the freedom of girls to vote is most important. Boys soon found out in 1920 that girls can vote. Hopefully, Hillary Clinton wins.
Jovannie Arias, 11
Fernangeles Elementary
Sun Valley

One of the constitutional rights I am thankful for is the first amendment, specifically the freedom of speech. I favor that one because people can share their feelings about what is going on. They can wear shirts that say "Club Soda, Not Whales," they can rally to stop a war or workers can go on strike. The freedom of speech allows you to contribute your opinions.
Olivia Pearl, 12
Oakwood School
North Hollywood

COMING UP: For most kids, it's almost the end of the school year. Is there something special that you want to do or accomplish this summer? Draw a picture of yourself doing this thing.

Parents and teachers should make sure that the student's name, address, age and school are CLEARLY PRINTED on the letters and the backs of drawings.

Pictures should be drawn using black or dark blue ink on white, unlined paper. Drawings must be no larger than a standard, 8 1/2-by-11 inch sheet of paper.

The deadline is May 27 and letters will be posted June 3. Letters received after the deadline cannot be considered.

Send entries to Kids' Daily News, P.O. Box 4200, Woodland Hills, CA 91365-4200.