First Place: Greta Miller

Eyer Middle School

Teacher: Mr. Facchiano

The American dedication is nearly impossible to comprehend. All of the achievement and heartbreak and sorrow this country has endured is summarized to one cloth of fabric, the American flag. Though the simple concept for such an enormous meaning, the fabric cannot be described as a simple swatch of color and pretty embroidery sewn into the center. Instead, it is a project that takes patience and skill to stitch each individual 50 stars on the blue fabric, and each separate red and white stripes sewn in a perfect straight line. The entire process of crafting an American flag symbolizes back to the concentrated and prudent foundations to our country, and is extremely relevant to today’s sacrifices to keep it alive as well. Feelings on our flag range from bitterness to devotion, but it seems to be clear that we live in a place in the world that proudly flies their flag to represent the unity of our differences, opportunity and motivation, and the harbor for true love for all of its people.

Each and every one of us are distinct; our contrasts form one another is undeniable. Because we all have the Constitutional right for freedom of speech, these differences are even more deeply acknowledged through conversation. No matter our fortune or misfortune, no matter our opinions, no matter our views upon life, we are all invisibly bound together by the symbol of America. Every single day, we all see the same stars and stripes on the flag that is recognized as an emblem of our life in America. Subsequently, this eludes to the idea of equality and acceptance that many outside of the protection of our flag crave and long for, and some will never have the ability to experience just a day of its glory, in which we take for granted. It is completely hopeless, and inaccessible to be able to truly learn where our lives would lead us without our flag.

Nearly every American has the background of choice and opportunities that are given through self-reliant leadership in their lives. The tunnel that the American flag provides for us to pass through is significant to begin this process for independence. It is different than any other; it believes in the potential for every human being to be or do something truly compelling. Just to glimpse at the flag makes me proud to be a part of a nation that celebrates each other for our differences and encourages individuality. This thought of standing out has been embedded in our minds, and through personal experience, it seems to have become an ideal to our society. To stand out is to create innovative ideas that, over time, have made our lives better as a whole.

One of the key aspects that the flag offers to me is love. Love that supports my decisions, love that supports me when I feel alone. Without the love we provide for each other in this nation, this would never have become a characteristic of the American flag. However, I have others around me that provide the support that the flag does, too. Truthfully enough, some do not have the same privilege as I do. Though it may feel invisible, the flag encourages us to seek help when we need it. Owning up to the emotions felt deep on the inside has significant power in becoming nourished in self-confidence. The unfortunate, who feel completely alone in this world, can look up at our flag and know that hope is near. This is why I truly love the American flag.

Our flag isn’t just a cloth with a picture sewn on top. The concept of it all is worth much more than that; it stands tall in unification, ability and strength, and unconditional love. These stars and stripes incorporated into the flag are most certainly worth the careful preservation. The American flag affords us a way of life many will never have the luxury to experience, and one that is so precious it is unforgettable.

Second Place: Kushi Patel

Lower Macungie Middle School

Teacher: Mr. Bosse

It is hung up in classrooms, on cars, in homes and outside of buildings. The American flag, a constant reminder of everything our country represents: a land of freedom, equality, and opportunities. To me, the American flag represents the strength and love that not just resides, but thrives in the United States.

Our country has proved its great strength and bravery since the beginning. In the 1700s, colonists fought for independence from Britain even though they knew their chances of winning were slim. Even after gaining independence, Americans have proven that they are strong enough to stand up for what they believe in countless times. We fought for the end of slavery, and the equality of all races and genders. And as time goes on, our country will continue to ensure that all people are given the rights they deserve and are treated as equals.

Love: It is one of the most beautiful things in the world. Whether it is love for your country, love for your family, or love for your favorite stuffed animal, love makes us the people that we are. A soldier’s love for his family powers him to keep fighting to keep them safe. Parents get up every morning to work so they can provide for their children they love so dearly. Love is the root of our country and is the reason we have made it so far.

Hanging up above us, fluttering in the wind, the American flag provides a symbol of our country’s strength and love. The flag is a tribute to all who have worked long and hard to make our country a land of possibilities. No matter where you go, the beautiful red, white, and blue banner will always be close by to give you pride in your country and remember the love and strength it stands for.

Third Place: Nidhiben Patel

Lower Macungie Middle School

Teacher: Mr. Bosse

Individuals leave their seats and give all their attention to the flag that’s being raised. They stand proud, placing their hands on their hearts and reciting the words to the national anthem. They see a piece of cloth with 13 red and white stripes with a blue rectangle in the upper left corner that contains 50 stars. That one piece of cloth represents a whole nation and what that nation stands for. To me it stands for freedom and bravery. More importantly it represents a dream that all Americans are lucky to have.

The red, white, and the blue stand for four freedom, for the rights given to us by the Constitution. Freedom of speech and religion are only two of the numerous freedoms Americans have. The freedom of speech is the one that allows us to stand up for ourselves. It allows us to be heard. The freedom of religion lets us believe in a god different than what others believe in. In various countries around the world these freedoms are unheard of.

The freedoms that we have now did not come without war and bravery. American soldiers have fought across the oceans, not for their own lives, but for our freedom and peace. The American flag stands for each brave man and woman who risked their lives for the good of their country. The American flag does not only stand for the soldiers that are fighting overseas; it stands for the coast guard, the police officers, the firefighters, and the astronauts. They all helped to protect our country and helped it to prosper and become “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

The 50 stars and 13 stripes also represent a dream that so many want: the dream to live freely, to do as you please, to have rights, to vote for your own leader, to achieve lifelong goals, and to do all this without fear of punishment. The American flag represents our right to control our own destiny and to create our own path.

Standing there with our hands on our hearts and our eyes on the flag we all feel a sense of pride. The different colors and designs of the flag portray the diverse aspects of this nation. For me, they represent the brave men and women who protect us. They stand for the dream of an independent life. For me the American flag is a symbol that will never be forgotten.