When someone mentions a monument the first thing that comes to mind

is a picture of a statue, or a wall representing great historical value.

But can a monument be more than just a pillar or statue that people can

look at? I believe a monument can exist inside a person. It can be a

memory of something that has happened or even the idea to change the

future.

Throughout history many people have spoken out for what they

believe in. Even though these people were brave enough to say how they

felt and that they were not going to take it anymore; there were other

people that did not share the same belief. I am proposing a monument to

the 2006 walkouts for immigration. This monument is very personal for me

because I was an actual participant and felt the effect of our actions.

First of all, I want to discuss the meaning of a walkout. It is

not something that just happens; rather it is an organized movement. A

walk out is defined as “1. A strike by workers. 2. The act of leaving or

being absent as an expression…of protest” (Dictionary.com). However, a

walkout can have a more powerful meaning than just a strike or the

absence of a person. It is the movement of people that strongly believe in

something and fight for it. It is not just being absent; it consists of

emotions that range from anger to sadness. The power of wanting something

done that will effect many people in a position way.

Our civilizations future depends on how we act now. Our actions

will determine what is to come and the people who fight for their beliefs

know it will forever be a part of history. The students that participated

in the 2006 walkouts, “…taught themselves and the country a fundamental

lesson of democracy and obtained surprising results, positive and

compassionate immigration legislation in the United States Senate”

(PRWeb.com). This showed the whole country that teenagers know what is

right and what is wrong and that their actions can directly impact their

future. The words of today will still be heard tomorrow.