Letters to the Gazette-Journal on any subject of public interest are always welcome. Letters should be 300 words or shorter, and all submissions must include the writer’s complete home mailing address, email and phone number should we need to reach you (this information is not published).
We favor letters that thoughtfully respond to or offer perspective or content published in the Gazette-Journal, and on local or state issues. The Gazette-Journal will not accept letters which comment on articles published in other periodicals; and we may not use letters which have appeared in other publications. We do not accept letters that are primarily broad endorsements or attacks on political candidates or parties. Also, space limitations often prevent publication of thank-you letters.
The right is reserved to refuse letters and to limit letters from individual contributors to one per month, to limit to one the number of candidate endorsements an individual can make, and to edit letters for length, accuracy, clarity, tone, style and other considerations. The newspaper requires a physically signed copy for our records. That can be accomplished by sending a digital image, such as a JPEG, to the editor.
Essay: The 250th Anniversary (7/1/2026) - Madison Young, Rising Senior at GHSGloucester, Va. The 250th Anniversary of the United States matters in part due to patriotism, pride that this country has prevailed in its existence for… …
Essay: Reflect and remember (7/1/2026) - Ruth Machen, recent homeschool graduateFoster, Va. Our nation’s 250th anniversary is a time to reflect and remember where we came from. Every freedom we have today in the greatest country… …
Essay: What This Nation, and its Anniversary, Means to Me (7/1/2026) - Eloise Leslie, Rising Freshman at MHSMathews, Va. This year is the United States of America’s 250th anniversary. I have lived in the USA for my entire life. In those years… …
Essay: Protecting our freedom (7/1/2026) - Mackenzie Lynn chapmanRising Freshman at GHSGloucester,Va. The 250th anniversary of this country reminds me of the freedom that it means to me. While this country has a hateful past, where… …
Essay: Our Nation’s Incredible Milestone (7/1/2026) - Peter Machen, Grades 8-9 HomeschoolHonorable Mention, Foster, Va. This 250th Anniversary of our Nation is significant for many reasons. Only 15 countries in the world today have had independence for… …
Essay: 250 Years of Freedom (7/1/2026) - Ayla Martinez, Rising Junior at Mathews High SchoolThird place, New Point, Va. This year, 2026, marks 250 years of the United States of America. This anniversary reminds us to reflect… …
Essay: 250 years of change (7/1/2026) - Alexandra S. Byser, Rising Junior at GHSSecond place, Gloucester, Va. Two hundred-fifty years of war, change, and tradition have formed our country into the nation it is today. The signing… …
Essay: 250th Anniversary of the United States (7/1/2026) - Ariana Smolinski, Rising Junior at Gloucester High SchoolFirst Place, Gloucester, Va. The 250th anniversary of the United States means a celebration of resilience, acknowledgment of our complex history, and a… …