May 4 , 2023
What the American flag means to me
By: Katie Doerner
Have you ever thought about what the American flag means to you? The American flag means multiple different things to many different people. In this essay I am going to tell you what the American flag means to me. According to Allegiance Flag Supply, the American flag means,"hardiness, valor, purity, innocence, vigilance, perseverance, and justice." But to me the American flag means five things, courage, bravery, strength, loyalty, and independence.
,Firstly, the American flag means courage, bravery, and strength to me because of all the wars fought. Some of them being lost, and some of them being victories. But no matter what, they held that flag high with courage and bravery. People had to train hard to go to war. From push-ups, to pull-ups, to curl-ups, to jumping jacks, and air squats, it takes strength to train. We wouldn't have our American Flag if we didn't have courage, bravery, and strength!
Secondly, the American flag means loyalty. If we weren't loyal to our friends, country, and family we wouldn't have America. If we didn't have America, we wouldn't have America's flag. Now, I know it can be hard to be loyal, but always try your best to be! Also, our flag means independence. Our congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. On that day, we held the flag high knowing that we would be free forever! Every year on July 4, we celebrate our independence and freedom with parties and fireworks!
Many different people think the colors on the American flag mean different things. The American flag has a blue square with fifty stars. The stars representing the fifty states. There are seven red stripes and six white stripes, making a total of thirteen stripes. The thirteen stripes represent the thirteen colonies that started the United States of America. To me the red stripes mean the bloodshed in wars. The white means freedom and the blue means loyalty.
I am on the flag team at my school. Being on the flag team has taught me how to respect and honor the American flag. First, you can respect the flag by putting your hand on your heart every time you say the Pledge of Allegiance. Second, you can respect the flag by stopping what you are doing, take your hat off, and put your hand over your heart every time you hear the National Anthem. Lastly, never ever let the American flag touch the ground.
Finally, many people in my family have served and are serving in the military. My great grandpa served in WWI. When I went to his funeral I remember they did the 21 gun salute to honor them. All the people in my family that are veterans and are currently serving have really taught me to always respect the flag! In conclusion, the American flag means many different things to me. No matter what the flag means to you or what it means to me, or anyone else, you should always respect and honor the American flag!
What the Flag Means to Me
By Ryder Finster
The American flag is what represents our country and our people also the people who died to give us the America that we have today.
The red in the American flag, to me represents our firepower, our drive to protect the ones we love, our bravery ,and the blood the soldiers shed to make sure we are safe. The white in the American flag, to me represents the soldiers who died, looking down-on us, proud to serve and protect our country. It also represents our freedom as Americans ,this is what drives people to move to America, this is what people call "the American dream."
The blue in the American flag, to me represents our comfort, knowing that we're always safe and protected.The blue also means liberty, that's why all 50 stars are in the blue and not the red or white
The emotions I feel when I see the American flag are:proud, happy,and protected . That is what the American flag means to me.
What The Flag Means To Me
by Isabel Grispino
Have you ever thought about what the U.S. flag means to you? To me it means freedom,
sacrifice, and protection, but there is so much more! Our history is a very big part of our
America, but without our military, our soldiers, we wouldn't even have a country. We would've just stayed under the rule of Great Britain, but instead we fought for our rights, for our freedom.
Firstly, I would like to say that if we didn't have our loses and our mistakes we wouldn't of
gotten better as a country. I personally love America because when I see the flag I just think of freedom. We fought for equality during the Civil War, and for freedom against Great Britain. What I'm trying to say is we don't give up easily, we joined together 13 colonies and fought
against Britain instead of staying under their control. In the past we would constantly fight for our rights, and we didn't give up when it got rough. We had fought long and hard to earn our freedom, and we did.
Secondly, the flag represents sacrifice. We've lost a lot of our soldiers in war and in battle. But they did not die in vain. Everyone who died in those battles fought for their country. Some of them died in World War 1, World War 2, and et cedera. It could've been any war or battle, but the point is that they weren't going to die without having faith in their country, they probably
wanted to see it succeed, and they were going too fight to see that through. Americans don't give up, and they never will.
Lastly, when I see the flag I'm reminded that I'm protected. When I'm in America I feel very
safe. I've always felt safe in America and I always will. If anything goes wrong we have multiple things that would protect us such as the police, the military, firefighters, and ambulances for if we injure ourselves badly. At school we have drills for if anything goes wrong like the fire drill, tornado drill, earthquake drill, and lockdown drills. We have a majority of things to help us if
anything happens. If you live in America, your already very safe and have almost nothing to worry about!
We are very lucky to live in America. Freedom, sacrifice, and protection are reasons I'm proud of America. Is that what the flag means to you?
What the American Flag Means to Me
By: Caden Welsh
What the American flag means to me is home. The land that protects not only me and my people, but those who can not protect themselves. A free land that fought bravely for their
freedom and equality, and eventually the freedom and equality of those that they enslaved. A
land where all people have a say. A land where all are equal. A nation under God, where we stick up for one another even when we do not have to get involved. When I look at our flag I am
reminded of the men and women who sacrificed their lives and those who continue to make
sacrifices for our country. It is thanks to them that I can attend school, have fun with my family and friends, and enjoy my life without fear of those that might want to do us harm. When I look at our flag, I do not just see stars and stripes, I see a beautiful land of bravery, protection, liberty, and justice, favored by God himself. This is what I see when I look up at the Stars and Stripes. I hope that you feel the freedom and beauty that is America as well.
What the American flag means to me
by Melody Shuler
When I look at the American flag, I think of hope, persistence and freedom. I think of soldiers who fought to make America what it is today. Thanks to those people all US citizens have the rights of life liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
When I look at the American flag, I see the colors red, white, and blue ribbon is for courage like the courageous people who did what they had to do to shape our country. White is for purity because America is independent from other countries and blue is for justice, which is what American stands for.
Living in a free state, equal country means a lot to me. I am thankful for the people who made America this way. If those people didn’t stay strong doing the tough times they wouldn’t have made any progress and America would be different. But they persisted and made America What it is today.
The end
May 3 , 2022
Isaac Herndon, West Teays
Maycee Grooms, Conner Street
Skyler Ward, Mountain View
Jordan Hoffman, Scott Teays
Brody Mooney, Lakeside
July 23 , 2020
May 6, 2019
May 7, 2018
Abby Cecil
Devon Robinette
Kate Wallace
Riley McCoy
Toree Switzer
Wyatt Cowan
May 15, 2017
Kristin Casto
Paisley Tabor
Kaylie Chin
Zetta Ridenhour
Mia Miller-Berty
2016
Jason Haynes
What the American Flag Means to Me
By Jason Haynes
The American Flag means a lot to me. It reminds me of the soldiers who died protecting us.They gave their lives so we wouldn't be in danger from our enemies.The soldiers died so we could be safe in our country and have freedoms.
The red stripes on the flag stand for the blood the past soldiers poured out saving the people in our country. The white stripes on the flag stand for the dedication of the soldiers and the military. The blue field on the flag stands for the tears the soldiers and their wives shed seeing what war does to people. The white stars stand for the freedom the United States has.
The United States f lag stands for a lot of things, but to me it stands for freedom. Freedom to go to any church you want, freedom to go to public places, and freedom makes a lot of people feel great.
When I say the Pledge of Allegiance with my friends, it makes me feel great. I am showing respect for the flag and the soldiers who fought to protect us. The American Flag might stand for different things for different people, but for me, it means freedom.
Aiden West
Flag Essay
By: Aiden West
Hi, my name is Aiden. I a m going to tell you about what the flag means to me.
It means to me a ll kinds of things like liberty, loyalty,and courage. It means to me the union and the original 13 colonies when we broke away from England. It means to me the loyalty of our nation. It means to me the courage of our nation. It means to me the liberty of our nation.
Here are a few more things that the flag means to me. It reminds me of our country and what it means to us. It reminds me of what our country is about, liberty loyalty and courage. It reminds me of all the wars that happened to save our country.
When I see the flag, it reminds me of all the soldiers that died saving our country. When I see the flag it reminds me how we broke away from England and became the 13 colonies, soon to be the United States of America. When Isee the flag it reminds me of when the Civil Wa r happened in the 1860s.
The country split into pieces. Then in 1864,we came back together. When I see the flag it reminds me of the soldiers that died protecting our country. When Isee the flag it reminds me of the original 13 colonies. When I see the flag it reminds me of the Pledge of Allegiance. What's good about that is you pledge a llegiance to our flag and country. Whats good a bout the Star-Spangled Banner is it says "Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there." What's important a bout that is it shows that our flag was still sta nding in the Revolutionary War.
I had a lot of fun writing this essay. I hope you like it a lot. I hope to do this again next year .
Carli Boggess
What the American Flag Means to Me
By: Carli Boggess
The American Flag means a lot of different things to me, but the most important thing is that I know that every time see a flag soldiers risked their lives f or mankind and many of them passed away or were wounded very badly. The American Flag represents the thirteen colonies and the fifty states. There are seven red stripes on the American Flag and six white stripes, combined there are thirteen stripes representing the f irst original thirteen colonies. There are also fifty white stars representing all fifty states that we have now. The stars are inside of a "blue field" the color blue represents loyalty.
The American Flag tells me that now we are free, because our flag got raised and we won the Revolutionary War. The United States won independence from Britain and now the United States is a free country and am proud of it. Now we have peace, but our f lag still fly' s every day and will remain there forever. Confidence and Courage are two words mainly used to describe how the United States fought we never gave up even if bad things happen. Another word would be determination, we were determined to win the war and let our flag fly high.
The American Flag represents the United States in all really, everything from freedom and independence to America' s greatest leaders like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Generals who lead in the war, and even our current leaders now. You may know the last sentence in our country song II The Star Spangled Banner", 11 The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." Instead it should be II The Land of the Free Because of the Brave." What that means is exactly what it says we have free land and f reedom overall, because of the brave soldiers who fought for us.
The Fourth of July is a holiday normally celebrated around the whole United States of America. The Fourth of July is only separated in our country because that was the day we won independence from England, by signing the Declaration of Independence. The American Flag is used to celebrate the Fourth of July to show our independence for the United States. The American Flag also represents construction/building and lots of it. Like what I 'm talking about is during wars obviously a lot of people were badly wounded or killed, and to just think about what happened to land and buildings. Everything that got touched in wars were pretty much ruined.
Flags are everywhere really. They're at schools, hospitals, any government buildings really, stores, homes, and war/battlefields. The White House has a big flag showing that we have independence, we have freedom, we have pride in out nation. Also at sporting events, or the Olympic Games, people stand up and honor the flag by hearing somebody sing or a mix of "The Star Spangled Banner" our national song. The American Flag is a national symbol of our country that 's why American flags are put up all over the United States.
When talked about our leaders or important people in time earlier there is one person that didn't mention that would like to mention now is Betsy Ross. Betsy Ross and a couple others (not mentioned very often) were the ones who sewed the American Flag, the ones who created the flag. That is a big deal without them we wouldn't have the flag design, and the flag in general that we have today. Another big person in time is Francis Scott Key, he wrote the "Star Spangled Banner", while sitting on a boat watching the war happen.
Back to the word freedom, our flag is all about freedom. Freedom is the main thing that in my opinion it represents. The Constitution is what got us our freedom that we have today. Our flag is what shows us freedom today. Like on that one night when Francis Scott Key was writing the "Star Spangled Banner" and didn't even know what was happening with everything happening in a flash, but that morning something happened. Our flag was raised high and that is how everybody knew that we won independence from England, we won. The only reason people knew that happened it because of our flag, now our freedom, now our lives have changed.
That is what The American Flag means to me, and am very proud that I live in America.
Brezza Searles
What the American Flag Means to Me
By Brezza Searles
What the American Flag Means to Me
To me the·American flag is a symbol of freedom and justice . The flag's beautiful stars and stripes are a reminder of how lucky I am to be an American citizen. It interests me that when this country was being fought for, Genera l George Washington knew he and his army were badly outnumbered and low on supplies, but he didn't give up and with the help of his right hand man, Alexander Hamilton, won the war. I think that proves that A mericans are brave, strong willed , and determined.
Some people don't realize how lucky they are to live in this country and not in a war torn one. There are so many brave men and women that died fighting for our freedom, and I feel sympathy for the families celebrating holidays like Halloween and Christmas who are missing a member. I think the flag stands for more than just freedom but as a representation of these veterans. I find it a little bit ironic that the most common song that's stuck in my head is "You're a Grand Old Flag" and now here I am writing an essay about it.
Every morning I pledge allegiance to the flag, but not until I actually listened and thought about the words did I realize how important they were. It made me thi nk about my mom who served in the army as a nurse. It also reminded me of my step-sister's boyfriend, Josh, who is always so nice and funny and so fun to hang out with. I remembered when he had to go to Iraq and how sad I was that he had to leave.
I remember when my dad lived in Washington D.C. and my sister and I went to visit him. I saw the flag waving in the wind , the sun shining on it in all it's glory and beauty. It made me realize t hat you don't see the American !lag everywhere because it's the !lag of our country. it's there because i t represents the freedom and hope that our country stands for. That is what the American flag means to me.
Nicholas Kennedy
Old Glory
By : Nicholas Keµnedy 07
The American Flag is very interesting and has a wonderful history. The flag may not seem so important to some, but it is one of our country 's most treasured items. This story tel l s where the flag was made, who made it, the meaning of the flag, and some facts about it. First let 's learn about the flag!
Most people believe that the flag originated from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The flag was said to be made during the Revolutionary War, possibly in 1776. The flag, was also said to be made by Betsy Ross, a well-known Philadelphia seamstress. The American Flag has a grand history, but what does it mean to you and me?
The American Flag, Old Glory, Stars and Stripes, whatever you want to call it, possesses great times and memories. To me the flag is something that I can trust. It marks my freedom as a very thankful and proud American citizen. I love the American Flag, it represen ts my home, the U.S.A!
Audrey Hall
What the American Flag Means to Me
By: Audrey Hall
"Oh say can you see..." This famous song was written because of a symbol of freedom and liberty, called the American Flag. Americans all over the nation will say with pride what this flag means to them. To me, it means respect, bravery, and joy that this nation is free. I believe this is the most important symbol to our lovely country.
Many flags around the country are respected. My family and I are sports fans, and whenever we enjoy a game, the first thing I notice is the brilliance of the national anthem. I spot fans' faces in awe at our flag. They show respect. For instance, they take their hats off, sing along, and keep their eyes on the red, white, and blue. Whenever I'm at a game I do the same thing, enjoying the song until it's over. Respect is also shown at my school, saying the Pledge of Allegianc©, students contentedly watching the flag.
Bravery is a strong word, and to me, one excellent adjective to describe the meaning of the American Flag. Many brave men and women have sacrificed their lives for our country's freedom. My uncle is in the Air Force, and I look up to his courage and bravery. Looking at this flag, I think of all the people who have died for this country and the word brave comes to my mind.
Another word I think of is joy . Joy that we live in a free country. The feeling of safeness and that I am secure in my home. Independence Day has lots ofjoy . I remember spending it with my cousins and friends, watching colorful fireworks sitting on a blanket on the ground. It is such a joyous day for many Americans.
This flag is a symbol of multiple things to me, and many other Americans. We have many rights and privileges that other countries don't have. We have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Most importantly, we have a symbol of freedom, the American Flag.
May 12, 2015
(Left to right) Luke Parker - West Teays, Alex Daeng - Mountain View, David Richardson IV - Scott Teays, Quarrier Phillips - West Teays, McKenna Alley - Connor Street and Brooke Salmons - Lakeside
Luke Parker
from West Teays Elementary School
The American Flag
When I think of the American Flag I think of it as more than just a piece of cloth. To me the American Flag represents the independence that this great nation fought for so that we could all be free. Time and time again this country has defended itself from the enemy forces . Almost everyday brave solders risk their lives for liberty and justice. To me, the red stripes on the flag represent the blood of our solders and the white stands for the peace that we fought for. The stars stand for the fifty states that make this great country. Each state is special to this country in its own special way.
I love the bold colors and beautiful stripes on this great American treasure. Ifeel our flag is truly a historical masterpiece. During the War of 1812, Frances Scott Key wrote a poem, that would later become the National Anthem in honor of our flag. I believe people all across America find different ways to honor it. They might put flags in their yards or say the Pledge of Allegiance. However, not everyone takes the time to appreciate our great American Flag. Ididn't always love the American flag like I do today.
I started to really respect the American Flag about three years ago when I was seven years old. Ever since I learned about the American Flag in the third grade, I have been a loyal patriot. I appreciate every thing this flag stands for today. I now look at the American flag as the great American treasure it actually is.
I believe the American Flag has held this great nation together for hundreds of years. The first American flag was made when our country divided and went into war. I sometimes wonder why our forefathers chose those bold colors for our great American Flag. Did she think of blood being shed? Or white in hope of peace? During times of war our flag always stands, waving in the wind. This proves that our nation really is the land of the free and the home of the brave.
To me America is the best nation in the world because of our fifty great states, our strong army, and our wonderful American Flag. We honor our flag at sporting events when everybody stands up and sings our National Anthem, when we say the pledge, and when we fly it w ith pride. America to me is an amazing place to live. I'm proud to be an American.
Alex Daeng
from Mountain View Elementary School
What the American Flag Means To Me
The flag means freedom to me. My mother side of the family is not from the United States. They are from Laos. My grandpa and grandma had to get a boat to escape across the Mekong River to a Refugee Camp in Thailand. They lived on a Refugee Camp for 3 years. They came to the United States where they had church sponsors in Charleston,West Virginia. They came here for freedom, better jobs, and a better life for my family.
The flag is a very important symbol to my mom's side of the family because they wanted to be free from the communist
David Richardson IV
from Scott Teays Elementary School
What the flag means to me
To me the flag is a symbol of courage, honor, loyalty, honesty, and valor for our country. The flag represents many killed in my family serving our country,but it also says to me "You Have Freedom" and Iknow that my ancestors gave that to me. I have many that fought in my family and here they are my grandfather, cousin, great grandad, great great grandad,and a few other greats that fought for our country and died in honor of our flag. My father is a cop and once was almost killed, his best friend jumped in front of the bullet, and luckily he survived his injuries and if I could talk to him right now I would like to say thank you for your honor and valor and because of you my father lives. The country lives in freedom because of my family and everyone who has ever served it, just so I can wake up and be free and.not captive, and I can drink fresh water, eat good food. Every time Isee the flag it tells me I am still free from captivity. This is a great country t at Iwill stay loyal to forever, whatever happens to me. This nation lives in peace because of the soldiers who fought for this nation and still are. We won many wars and hope no more come,but if they do we will be ready and we will win. That's what the American flag means to me,and that's how its going to stay, forever .
Quarrier Phillips
from West Teays Elementary School
What The Flag Means to Me
Old Glory,Stars and Stripes, Star Spangled Banner, Red White a nd Blue, no matter what you call it, it's the American flag,and that's what really matters. The flag means more than just a piece of cloth. It's all the soldiers over seas and the past veterans who have fought and defended this wonderful country of ours.When I look at the flag,it reminds me to thank all of the military personnel that put their lives at risk every day to make sure that the first government for the people, by the people, and of the people still remains.
A soldier I want to recognize is my stepdad's father. He was in the military and when he passed away there was an American flag draped over his casket. They did a 21 gun salute. My stepdad's mom has the flag folded up in a glass case and my stepdad, Flip, has one of the shell casings from the 21 gun salute. He wears it on his keychain everyday.
The flag has helped build this country's dynasty and flown high through best of times, and even the worst. There was even a flag still flying at the sight of 9/11, even all the rubble couldn't destroy this wonderful nation's flag. It couldn't destroy the cloth of the flag,but it also couldn't bring down the meaning of the
American flag.Through that disaster the flag brought us together as a country and helped everybody recover.
When I see an American flag soaring high I think of courage, liberty, and justice. Courage because of all of the soldiers who devote their lives to helping our country, and also all of the other administrations like the Red Cross who help in a disaster. Liberty because of all the founding fathers who knew that they were putting themselves in harm when they signed the Declaration of Independence but they didn't hesitate for a moment. Last but not least justice. It means the right
to a fair trial. In America it doesn't matter what race or gender you are. You will always have a fair and equal trial,a nd that's what the flag means to me.
McKenna Alley
from Conner Street Elementary School
"What the American Flag Means to Me"
When I see the flag I see every person who lives in the country or ever did live here. I see their hope, their life and their liberty. To me there is nothing more beautiful than the sound of an American flag snapping in the wind. The flag has been America's mother, watching us grow and thrive as a union.
The flag was there during our darkest times. It was there in the Civil War when people who had known each other for years wouldn't talk to each other. There were two flags, but only one has a history of hope. A history of love and freedom - the flag of the union.
Only the American flag can make even the strongest cry. Only the American flag can make soldiers feel safe and secure. Only the American flag symbolizes a nation, our nation, the.United States of America. Only the flag can say, "This is America!" we are all connected - a family.
In World War II there was a battle known as Iwo Jima. Three or four soldiers were struggling to raise the flag to show that we had won the battle, the war. Now that is an important symbol representing the sacrifices U. S. soldiers have made. Another symbol of the United States military is the Korean War Memorial that says, "Freedom is not free". The flag represents that freedom.
I am proud to have grown up in America because we are all strong. Our government is strong. Our economy is strong, our people are strong and our flag is strong. Our flag is the symbol of our 50 states, each one so alike, yet different. We are all strong, because we are united.
Only that flag can make me say:
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.
one nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.
Brooke Salmons
from Lakeside Elementary School
What The American Flag M eans To M e
The American Flag is important to me because it is a symbol of our freedom and we should be proud of that. Some countries don't have freedom. and liberty like we do, so we should respect the American Flag and remenber all who have fought for us.
Every day, our American soldiers are all over the world, keeping us out of harm's way. I am truly grateful for all the soldiers that have fought and are fighting for us. My grandfather has fought and served for us. He was a great man and he respected the American flag. When I see the American flag, I will always remernber all the soldiers that served.
Our national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner" means so much to me. I think it is very respectful to put your hand over your heart. You should never disrespect the song. I think it is great that we do the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem every day at school. Our flag has been through many battles and has shown us it will always represent our freedom, liberty, and our independence. I think it is very respectful that when the flag touches the ground, you should burn it in a respectful ceremony.
The Arnerican flag should always be honored. I will always respect it even when life gets tough. The flag will help my future and all of our futures. The flag is a great symbol of our freedom. I hope everyone always respects it.
This years Essay Winners with their teachers