A fifth grade student from Cary, North Carolina designed a pin honoring veterans that was selected as the national winner of the Army Educational Outreach Program Veterans Appreciation Challenge.
Asitai Borjigin, who immigrated from China at age 6, crafted a pin depicting hands holding a love symbol to express gratitude for veterans’ service.
Born knowing some veterans suffered injuries or made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the country, Borjigin said he wanted to find a way to thank them.
“I really wanted to thank them,” Borjigin said. “Some were left without a leg; some were left without an arm. Some were even dead.”
His winning pin design will be distributed at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum on Memorial Day.
As part of his prize, Borjigin can donate a 3D printer to a school or organization.
Proud of being able to honor veterans through the contest, the young student hopes to someday become a pilot.
“I’m really proud of myself and happy,” he said, beaming.
