First Place: Benjamin J. Knode

Lower Macungie Middle School

Teacher: Mr. Thad Smith

To many people, the American flag means many different things. Some people give their lives for it, while others focus on it as a symbol of their dislike of issues that they have with the place they call home. To me, the flag is a symbol of the wonderful country in which I live. My home, America, is a safe and unified place full of opportunity. Each day, when I pledge allegiance to the flag, I am reminded of these qualities. Other nations do not have the privileges of quality education, technology, and resources. This means that I have the chance to make educated choices about the future, and that I have the technology and resources to act on these decisions. In making these educated choices, I can better my future, and brighten my opportunistic horizons. This is all something that I can see every time I look at my country’s flag.

Another meaning of the American Flag is the way that it holds together the country. The flag is a symbol of the unification that our country has. From the joining of the original thirteen colonies, which are now represented by the thirteen stripes of the flag, to the present day fifty states that now make up our country, the flag has always been something that the people of the United States can see, knowing that the same flag is displayed all across the country. As the song says, “From California, to the New York Island; From the Redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters...” In each and every one of these places, the American Flag is flown. Millions of people from all across the country can all see this flag as it hangs in front of thousands of schools, houses, and on top of buildings. The great red, white and blue symbol of our nation gives every state and place across the country a characteristic that they all have in common. To me, that is one of the main purposes of the flag, and it is also what unifies and holds together our country.

The third and final meaning that I see within the American Flag is a symbol of the safety and security of our country. Our country is a safe place where people are free to live their lives. Each and every person here is guaranteed their human rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Another thing that I think of when I see the flag each day is the people here and in other places that fight for our country, trying to ensure our survival as a nation. They give everything they have just so that the red, white, and blue colors can continue to fly over the lands of America. The worst fear of all humans is the unknown -- particularly not knowing what is going to happen next. Thanks to the safety of my home, I need not have fear for what is to come the next day. The flag shows me this by reassuring that so long as that flag flies across America, my home is safe, and life as I know it will continue. The flag is a symbol of many things. These three are simply the most significant of the thoughts that I have when I gaze at the so very meaningful piece of cloth that represents our country. As I see it flying in the wind, I cannot help but feel a sense of pride that I am fortunate enough to be a part of the land of the free and home of the brave.

Second Place: Marisa Rivero

Lower Macungie Middle School

Teacher: Mr. David Bosse

Although every country has their own flag, I believe that our flag is very unique. It is unique for the design of the flag, but most importantly, because of what the design represents. Our flag has 50 white stars and 13 stripes. It flies as a symbol of our country, our freedom, our rights and our unity as a country. Every stitch in the flag has a meaning and this is what it means to me.

All around the world our flag is a representation of the people of the United States. No matter where you see it, you know that the familiar design represents our country’s history. There are fifty white stars, one for each state, and thirteen stripes for each of the original colonies. It is recognizable anywhere and everywhere. It means different things to many people, but to me it means a shared history. It means a shared value regarding freedom and liberty. No matter your country or origin, your native language, your family history, when you see the red, white, and blue, you see the unity of our nation.

Freedom is another thing that is represented by our flag. It did not come easily to us. We had to fight the strongest empire in the world at that time for it. To this day, hundreds of years later, we still fight just as hard. The threats and struggles may have changed, but we still use the flag as a symbol to inspire us. We have been in many wars since then, and each is fought with the same determination as our first. The freedom represented by our flag will now and forever be appreciated and we will take action to stand for what we believe in.

For me, the flag also serves as a reminder of our rights. It reminds us that we have always fought for our rights. Under British rule, these rights were limited. Our soldiers fought and still fight to protect us. When I see our flag or a uniformed soldier, I appreciate the sacrifices they have made for all of us. We are extremely lucky to have the rights we do. In other countries, our voices cannot be heard, read, or seen. People who live under other flags cannot speak up, take action, or protest. As an American, it is hard to imagine a life where you cannot speak your mind or share your opinion.

In this country there are millions of different people. There are different races, religions, cultures, ages, genders, ethnicities, and more. Many people have immigrated here long ago, or recently. Even Americans have differences among them, like their opinions on politics. Although all of this is true, we all fly under the same flag: the American Flag. Its design represents our history, our sacrifices, our determination, our rights. Aside from all of that, it serves as a unique reminder of our unity as people who get to enjoy all of the values that our flag represents.

Third Place: Jonathan Romero

St. Ann School

Teacher Mrs. Maureen Leitzel

The American flag is an honored symbol throughout our nation. We salute to it, pledge to it, and bring it with our army in times of battle. The flag is a special icon to all of us, and affects each of us in a different way. When I see the flag, the first thing I think of is freedom. When I put up the flag and see it waving on the pole, I see liberty and justice. The flag reminds me that others are fighting for our country, and that I should try my best to help our nation the best way I can.

The flag represents a new beginning. When my grandfather immigrated here, it was a new start for him. Whenever I see the flag, I think of all the opportunities and privileges that come with being a citizen. The flag historically represents many things. The blood of the heroes, the liberty of the new nation our forefathers created. However, the flag is a beacon of hope. It signifies good and bad times. When a military officer dies, they receive a flag on their coffin. When a Boy Scout becomes an Eagle Scout, he receives a flag. The flag represents a beginning, accomplishment, and ending. It is an honor to have the ability to retire flags.

The flag is a treasured item that encourages me to try my best. It motivates me to improve the lives of others, and to live my life appreciative of everything. The flag is a huge symbol for our country. Our national anthem was based on our flag. The flag is a very special icon that will be remembered for many years to come. The flag means home to me. It is a symbol for a comforting abode, which I feel safe in. The flag is a sanctuary from stress and problems.

In conclusion, the flag represents many different things for different people. The flag means peace, hope, freedom, and liberty to me. It symbolizes the good times and the bad. It is a home to all who are in need of one. It is an honored image, and is so respected that it cannot even touch the ground. It is a symbol of greatness and prosperity. It gives that peaceful feeling to me and reminds me to try my best everyday. The flag is a truly unique thing, one that is here to last. I hope the American will forever remain a such treasured symbol in our nation.