“The Beautiful Symbol of America”
By Krysta Bilodeau, First Place Winner
Grade 6, Seabrook Middle School
Atlantic News, Thursday, January 23, 2003
[The following article is courtesy of the Atlantic News]
“I am writing about the American Flag. It is very important to the USA. The American Flag means our country is united. The flag is most meaningful in times of trouble or events. It represents freedom to us, the Americans. The flag is a symbol of our country that means a lot to me. I know that the 50 stars stand for the 50 states. Also, the 13 stripes stand for the 13 original colonies. I think in wars and times of trouble the flag gives people courage. The flag stands for the United States of America and shows we are a nation. The colors mean freedom, courage and purity
“The flag is very important to people. Every day in school we do the Pledge of Allegiance to honor the flag. Every time there is a big event, like races or hall games, they always fly the flag and someone sings the National Anthem. It makes me feel elated because it stands for something true and real.
“The flag was very meaningful on September 11, 2001, when the planes crashed into the Twin Towers. The flag makes me feel like I’m part of something. It gives us freedom and is very meaningful when someone dies or gets seriously injured. It brings back many memories. It was especially meaningful when it was still standing at the end of the war. The flag is very meaningful to our country.
“In conclusion, the flag means more to people than they think. It gives off liberty and justice. It gives faith and happiness to people. The American Flag gives us freedom. As one — one people and one nation. It unites us all in one way or another.”
“The American Flag”
By Jessica Casassa, First Place Winner
Grade 5, Seabrook Middle School
“The colors of the American Flag are red, white and blue. Red means bravery and represents the blood that was shed for our country. White represents purity and liberty. Blue represents justice. The 50 stars stand for each of the 50 states. The 13 stripes stand for the 13 original colonies. During the American Revolution, George Washington asked Betsy Ross to make the first American flag. It had thirteen stars and stripes.
“The American Flag means a lot to me. It stands for freedom, liberty and justice. The flag is a sign of hope for a better life. My mother’s parents came to this country to give their children a better life.
“We have been taught to respect and be proud of this country and the American Flag. Many men and women have given their lives in foreign countries to protect what our flag stands for. The flag stands as a symbol of freedom, but sometimes it comes at a very high price when people give their lives to protect that symbol. Anytime that a battle was fought in a foreign country the first thing that is done when the battle is won, is the American Flag is raised for everyone to see.
“On September 11, 2001, terrorists tried to divide this country. They caused a lot of pain but united the country. On the same day construction workers lowered a huge American flag down the side of one of the damaged buildings to show that this country would stay united. Since that day there have been flags everywhere you go. There are flags on gravestones, houses, fences, cars, and in office windows. People wear flag pins and red, white and blue ribbons to show their pride for this country.
“Every morning we say the Pledge of Allegiance. We are saying that we promise loyalty to our flag. The flag means a lot to me and I hope it means something to everyone, too.”