american flag meaning essay

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What the American flag means to you

A child. A truck. A quilt. A gravestone. These are all answers to the questions posed by the Share Your Story project: “What does the American flag stand for? Is it a sacred symbol? Has it meant something important to you? Does it represent you? Have you ever used the flag to make a statement?” Lots of things to think about. Many places your mind could go.

The product of the Star-Spangled Banner “Share Your Story” project is a mosaic of the American flag made up of stories and photos from people like you. Perusing the images and the words that have been submitted, I’m struck by how the flag is used to express different ideas about what it means to be American. It is a sign of freedom. A reference to the federal government. The emblem of a superpower. An icon of loyalty. A symbol of pride as well as a symbol of protest.

One of my favorite submissions is a photo of Don Faulkner , a Navy man who wrote an essay in the eighth grade about what the colors of the flag brought to mind for him. Blue stands for “the waters around the United States that hold it together like a vice holds two pieces of wood together”; white, “the clouds that fly over the United States, so easily without a bump or rough place like the peace of peace time”; and red, “the fire that consumes intruders that try to turn the handle that holds the United States together.”

Another veteran, mercenary2372 is pictured during a 15 month tour in Iraq:”I am holding a flag my dad sent me in the mail. The American Flag stands for freedom and is the symbol of our country that I salute in the morning for reveille and in the evening for taps.” Alongside his photo of flag flying outside the Department of Justice headquarters M.V. Jantzen writes: “I don’t feel the American flag is a sacred symbol, but it does feel like home.” JeanieBeach thinks her photo of a truck stop illustrates how “the American flag captures the rugged determination of Americans to create sanctuary anywhere they find themselves.” And Gelane explains that the young boy pictured in her photo was “born on the army’s birthday, Flag Day!”

With 15 rows of 24 image tiles, we need more than 360 photographs to complete the American flag mosaic. This is your chance to contribute your point of view. In commemoration of Flag Day this year, I hope you’ll share your thoughts and images of what the flag means to you. Spread the word and help us fill up the mosaic !

Dana Allen-Greil is the new media project manager at the National Museum of American History. She likes to think of the flag as a connector . 

For Whom Does the American Flag Fly?

I’m in no hurry to wave it, but don’t tell me I don’t love my country.

You couldn’t not notice it: a multitude gathered one morning at an A gate of Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport, waving little American flags, recording on their cell phones, laying a soundtrack of exuberant cheers. Intrigued or just nosy, I stopped for a look-see, noticed that walls behind the gate desk were adorned with red-white-and-blue bunting, that other walls featured a slogan saluting all those who serve and their families, that the area was also bedecked with flags: an American flag along with those representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, even the one for POW/MIA. Yonder, an agent stood at the mouth of the Jetway and called out the deplaning passengers as if announcing the Suns playoff starters: “From the U. S. Air Force staff . . . !” “From the U. S. Navy . . . !” “Electronics technician first class . . . !” First-class petty officer . . . !” “USS Mission Bay rank third class . . . !” Given their hoary hair, their wrinkled mugs, and the fact that some of them caned out of the jet bridge or were pushed in a wheelchair, I surmised that all who exited had earned the honorific of veteran.

It heartened me to see that kind of appreciation for our veterans, so much so that I dawdled past my first urge to leave, so much so that I joined in rounds of applause. Though my enthusiasm was sincere, truth be told, it was also tempered. Matter fact, had somebody tried to hand me a little mini flag, I might’ve refused it and for damn sure would’ve been reluctant to wave it.

Well, because while I believe it commendable and crucial to honor the people who’ve risked or made the ultimate sacrifice for their/our country, my relationship to the flag is at best complicated, at worst ruined.

The year after it declared independence, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act, solidifying the Stars and Stripes as the symbol of America, even boasting that the 13 stars on the Betsy Ross version represented “a new constellation.” The second Flag Act, in 1794, provided for 15 stars and 15 stripes (the famous Star-Spangled Banner that inspired Francis Scott Key) to rep the newest states. Of course, the good old U. S. of A. kept right on manifesting its destiny, a mission that also made for some awkward designs.

In 1818, Congress passed the third Flag Act, legislating that it would return to the original 13 stripes to represent the colonies but would add a star for each new state. That third act didn’t specify a design for the stars, and that vagueness led to the production of several versions, that is until 1912, when an executive order by President Taft prescribed not only the order of the stars but the proportions of the flag. Two more executive orders, both by President Eisenhower in 1959, further specified the arrangement of the stars, the later one establishing the design of our current flag.

The vexillologists would have me believe the red of Old Glory symbolizes “hardiness and valor”; its white “purity and innocence”; its blue “vigilance, perseverance, and justice.”

While I accept those qualities as its symbolic ideals, I also believe that the quiddity of the flag is a question: Who belongs in America?

Which is a query evermore inextricable from who owns America.

Given the centuries that we were chattel, the long rule of Jim Crow, and the machinations fueling mass incarceration, I can say with certainty that it ain’t been my peoples. Nonetheless, given Native American pogroms and the Indian Removal and Relocation Acts; given Japanese internment; given the hundred-year-plus crusade for women’s suffrage and the leaked intent for SCOTUS to nullify Roe v. Wade; given the extant rampant schemes of voter suppression and the proliferation of ardent anti-LGBTQ legislation; given the border wall and the inhumanity of brown babies in cages; given the forging of the wealth gap and the cruel persistence of health disparities; given, given, the givens . . . the answer to that essential question is that it might not have been your people neither.

And furthermore, during the fascistic previous administration, the Americans most visible and vocal about their belonging and ownership were the ones hell-bent on using the flag as a cudgel against anybody deemed an other and/or as a scythe to cleave division.

And let me add that, often, they’re the same ones proclaiming themselves true patriots.

In George Orwell’s classic essay “Notes on Nationalism,” he defines patriotism as “devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force on other people” and defines nationalism as “the habit of identifying oneself with a single nation or other unit, placing it beyond good and evil and recognizing no other duty than that of advancing its interests.” Orwell acknowledges that there’s often little distinction between the two and yet argues that “patriotism is of its nature defensive, both militarily and culturally” but “nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the desire for power.”

In addition to being grounded in America’s complicated history, my resistance to revering the flag—and other symbols of American virtue—is fueled by the belief that Orwell’s distinctions may no longer exist, that the middle ground is now a chasm, that we’ve atrophied into (or maybe we’ve just been exposed as) an era in which nationalism, of a sort indistinguishable from jingoism, has by and large subsumed the patriot.

But I also concede that my perspective has been colored by what’s made the news—the vehemence over Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling; the tiki torchers threatening, “You will not replace us”; the MAGA insurgents, many clad in patriotic colors, rioting through the halls of the Capitol—and that there are also plenty of Americans who believe this country capable of achieving the ideals enshrined in its founding documents and symbols, whose hoisting of a flag outside their crib won’t make the headlines but who are just as important, if not more important, to defining and extending its virtues.

One such acolyte is a buddy of mine—he identifies as a white guy, which seems essential to mention—who says he’ll continue to raise a flag out of respect and duty, that he isn’t about to let the KKK/Proud Boys/Oath Keepers/Three Percenters of the world usurp its meaning. His arguments, I admit, make a helluva lot of sense.

But for me? Could the flag ever belong to me and mines? Would it ever be a fitting emblem of our experience? Can we—those who belong to groups coerced into a hyphenated lower class of Americanness—have any lasting impact on its significance?

My buddy asked if I intended to raise a flag outside my house this Fourth of July, and I said no—said it quick, too—and then the very next instant worried whether that decision would make me less American, less deserving of the mythic American dream of prosperity, somehow less worthy of experiencing the highest potential of this place where I was born and, in all likelihood, will die.

A week or so after I stumbled upon the celebrated arrival of a planeload of veterans, I returned from another trip and stopped by the very same gate. That day, there was no excited crowd, no gate agent broadcasting names, no veterans strolling or limping or wheeling off the jet bridge. However, still—the slogan honoring those who served. Still—the patriotic bunting. Still—the beaucoup flags along the walls. All of them inanimate, inert, waiting for someone to come along and imbue them with consequence.

Mitchell S Jackson is a contributing writer for Esquire. He is the winner of a Pulitzer Prize and a National Magazine Award as well as the acclaimed author of the memoir Survival Math , and the award-winning novel The Residue Years . He is the John O. Whiteman Dean's Distinguished Professor of English at Arizona State University.

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Symbolism of the American Flag Defined

If you truly want to celebrate our nation’s independence, however, you need to first familiarize yourself with the symbolism behind the American flag, as this plays a key role in its meaning and purpose.

American Flag Symbolism and Meaning

• What do the colors mean?
• What do the stripes stand for?
• What do the stars represent?

Flag colors – Red, White and Blue

These three colors have long been associated with the United States and its respective flag, yet few people know the symbolism and meaning behind them.

What do the American flag’s colors symbolize?

• RED symbolizes strength and valor
• WHITE symbolizes purity and innocence
• BLUE symbolizes vigilance, perseverance and justice

Of course, these characteristics are aligned closely with the values of America, which is why they are represented in the colors of the American flag.

The modern-day American flag possesses 13 stripes of alternating red and white color. Like every other element on the American flag, there’s deep meaning behind these stripes.

When America gained its independence from Great Britain, it had 13 colonies: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts Bay, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantation. The 13 stripes found in the American flag represent each of these 13 colonies.

As you may already know, the 50 stars on the American flag represent the 50 states of the United States of America.

This hasn’t always been the case, though. The American flag had fewer stars more than a century ago, during which it had fewer states.

In 1912, the number of stars on the American flag grew to 48, thanks to the addition of New Mexico and Arizona. This remained the country’s official flag for the next 47 years, making it the country’s longest running flag in its history.

It wasn’t until August 21, 1959 when President Eisenhower ordered the American flag to be updated with 50 stars. Since then, the American flag has remained with 50 bold stars neatly arranged in the upper left-hand corner, with one star for each of its 50 states.

In addition to representing the 50 states, the 50 stars on the American flag also represents a “ divine goal .” In 1977, the House of Representatives published a book in which it described the American flag’s stars as being a “symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun .”

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Essays: What the U.S. flag means to me

In advance of the Fourth of July, we asked some local and state officials and readers overall this question: “What does the American flag mean to me?”

Sheila Simon , lieutenant governor

Whether we look at our nation’s flag during the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, or to check on the direction of the wind, most of us feel a sense of pride. Pride in being a land of democracy, opportunity and freedom.

But I also look at our flag through the eyes of a seamstress — not Betsy Ross, but me, a mom who has made dresses, playclothes and Halloween outfits for her daughters for two decades.

As a seamstress I see how our flag is put together, and it’s fairly complex. Some nations’ flags are big blocks of color, or even one color with an image printed on it.  No sewing beyond the hems around the edges.

Our flag is pieced. That means each stripe attached to the next and finished off so that there are no loose threads. The blue field is pieced and finished in that same way, and then stars are embroidered on, a process that requires some time when done by hand.

Our country is pieced together in a similar way. States, people and cultures that are not identical are bound together. In southern Illinois, we often talk differently than our northern Illinois neighbors, and Illinoisans talk differently than most folks in the 13 original colonies. But we are all a part of the same country.

Like our flag, our country requires finishing work; in fact, our finishing work as a country is a continual process. It takes all of us participating in the civic life of our country to keep this cloth together.

The next time you look at the flag, take a look at those different fabrics, and all the seams that bind them together. Take pride in how we can all find our own way to keep this fabric of our country strong.

Jesse White , secretary of state

The American flag means to me a tapestry of sacrifice, opportunity, volunteerism, liberty, privilege, responsibility and appreciation.  

As a former paratrooper in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division and as a member of the Illinois National Guard and Reserve, I admire and cherish the sacrifice, bravery and heroism that our men and women in the armed forces display each and every day whether at home or in hostile environments. The American flag represents the selfless sacrifice of these true heroes, whether it is hoisted up in a field of battle or unfurled above a baseball field.  

As a Chicago public school teacher and administrator for 33 years, I spent a portion of each morning reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, hand over heart, before the American flag.

On many occasions, I would think of my students, many of whom came from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and, while looking at the American flag, I would think: Any of these students, so long as they properly apply themselves, can accomplish great things.

Indeed, many of my former students, as well as former members of my Jesse White Tumbling Team, have gone on to become American success stories.  They have become lawyers, engineers, teachers, athletes, firefighters, police officers — the list goes on and on.  

The American flag means to me volunteerism. Americans are blessed with a kind and giving sprit. When we become successful, we find ways to give it back to those less fortunate.  

The American flag means to me liberty, that we are the privileged few that live in a nation that gives each and every one of us the opportunity to strive for greatness in whatever field or endeavor we wish to pursue.  

The American flag means to me the responsibility we bear to ensure that the United States continues to prosper and continues to give hope to those who wish for a better way of life. From all regions of this great nation, we often honor the American flag with a salute and a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” This tradition underscores the powerful and emotional importance of the American flag to us as a nation, undivided.  

Lastly, the American flag means to me a profound appreciation to those departed who helped shape the United States of America — the greatest country in the world — so that it would be, as President Abraham Lincoln famously resolved at Gettysburg,  “... a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

Dan Rutherford , state treasurer

“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.”

At the start of each school day, my class would stand together, raise our right hands to our hearts and recite the words to the Pledge of Allegiance. As I spoke those words, I remember gazing at the American flag and feeling a sense of pride and responsibility.

For me, those were not just simple words, they were a promise of commitment to this country to be a loyal citizen to the land that has become home to so many people and fulfilled countless dreams.

The American flag has a unique meaning to each and every person.  Not only in the U.S., but all around the world, the American flag symbolizes freedom, pride, honor and responsibility. The red, white and blue represent unity and equality and the opportunity to make dreams reality.  

The American flag symbolizes commitment — a commitment to be of service to the land that has given us one of life’s most precious gifts, freedom. That freedom gives me the chance to be of service to my family and friends, and to the many cities and towns in Illinois as I serve as the state treasurer.

We as citizens contribute, shape, and define our diverse communities, and thus our nation.  Many citizens give great sacrifice to this country, whether it be the elected leaders guiding the nation and protecting the rights of citizens or the classroom teachers educating our next generation, every individual is responsible for contributing something to the community they belong to.  

The flag also reminds me of our armed forces, risking their lives and making daily sacrifices to secure our freedoms and ensure the safety of others. I am humbled by their service to this great nation.

These men and women know firsthand that freedom isn’t free and they are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our great nation. Our freedom is only realized with their sacrifice, service and commitment.

As Americans celebrate the Fourth of July, it is important that we take time to reflect on the symbolic stars and stripes and realize that all around the world, the American flag has become a symbol of hope.

As Illinois treasurer, I know in my heart that I have the great responsibility to do my part in carrying on the legacy of patriotism, respect, and progress that our Founding Fathers left behind. I am committed to doing my best for this great nation and the people of Illinois.

I love the United States of America, and I am filled with pride each time I see our American flag.

Melissa Asher

What does the flag mean to me? Boy, does that statement bring back a memory.

I am a single mother of three children. When my eldest son was 17, he said to me. “Mom, I want to join the military.” I said “No, son, it’s a time of war. There are so many things that you can do. You cannot join the Army or the Marines.”

I was afraid, you see, that if I sent my son, who meant so much to me, that he wouldn’t come home. So many lives lost, so many broken hearts and sadness came with such things. I just didn’t want it to be him, or me.

For a year we argued, “You can do this, you can do that. There are so many other things that you can be.” There was no peace, there were no happy thoughts. We just disagreed.

Then one night, my son held a paper in his hands. an essay he had written for school. He said, “I have to turn this in tomorrow. I would like you to read it, and then tell me what you think.”

It was titled, “How does the flag influence the teen of today?” (Or something close to that.) So I read this essay.

It talked about how young Americans don’t salute the flag as it goes by, how they don’t respect the men that have died. He talked about the colors, the stripes and the stars, and what they meant. He talked about the men that fought our wars so valiantly. He said so many things and with each word I read, a power – a knowledge — came over me.

My son did not want to go into the military for war mongering. He didn’t want to go and fight for something he knew not. You see, he wanted to join because it was his right. He wanted to join to protect his right of freedom, his right of speech, the knowledge that nowhere else has freedoms such as we.

He thought it was wrong to force people to live as others wanted them to. He wanted to make the world see that the freedoms we have can be shared. He wants a world democracy, where every person on earth should have the freedom to choose what they want to do, where they want to be, how they want to live.

He wanted to speak loud and clear that he wanted to oppress the tyranny, the evilness of the lands, that fought to keep people enslaved in their worlds without rights, without freedoms, that we as Americans take advantage of every day.

I stopped and thought about the men in my family, as far back as I could go, who fought for their military. From Germany, to Ireland, from England to America. They fought for the right to have a better life.

They came here for a better life. And when I look at the flag. I do not just see red, white and blue. I see the blood of my forefathers, I see the white flag of hope, I see the love and strength that gave them voice. I see the courage they had to fight and yet love deeply.

I see the farmers, the bankers, the store owners, the young, the old. I see America. The land of the free, the home of the brave. I see my son, wearing his army greens. His army blues, saluting as the glorious flag of our nation goes by. I see the pride in his eyes, and the courage and bravery that makes him stand tall.

I am not afraid anymore. If the time ever comes, I know in my heart that my son will always come home. I know that I will never lose him. For he fights for this land, this country he loves. And as long as we remember him, he will always be a soldier, my son.

Melissa Beckler , teacher

As a young child, I was schooled in flag etiquette. I was taught how to hang the flag correctly, fold and store it correctly, and never, ever let it touch the ground.

If the flag was out at night, it must be lighted. If the flag was damaged beyond repair, it must be burned. Not burned with anger and disdain as some have done; but burned in a dignified manner.

On the Fourth of July, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day, one of my brothers or I had to get up early and go with our dad to the little village cemetery. He held the map of veterans’ graves, while I carried the little flags and placed them by the headstones.

Dad knew many of the veterans and shared stories. He shared a last name with some vets; those stories were more difficult for him to tell. Before we left, we stopped to look at the tiny flags blowing in the breeze. It was both beautiful and heartrending.

The flag that hung on our porch had just 48 stars. It had no stains or tears and it was cherished by my father. He also had a flag on his casket because he was a veteran of World War II. I held that flag for days and nights after his death.

That beautiful flag that could bring tears to my dad’s eyes holds a great deal of meaning to me. We are blessed to live in this country; however, it seems to me that many, many people are forgetting the sacrifice of those who fought in order for that flag to fly in the breeze.

For instance, Goshen College in Indiana has decided not to play the national anthem at school events. “The Star-Spangled Banner” is considered too violent. I wonder if they’d prefer to fly the Union Jack? Because without the Revolutionary War, the Stars and Stripes wouldn’t exist.

In addition, many neighborhood associations across the country have banned the flying of the American flag. Our flag stands for liberty, but some citizens don’t have the freedom to fly that flag?

There have been lawsuits brought against people who just want to express their love and respect for this country. That, to me, is incredulous.

I feel like the lesson my dad wanted me to learn from my “flag tutelage” is to always be grateful for the gift of liberty for which so many fought. I didn’t do anything to earn that gift; it was given to me by men and women who knew its worth.

Those stars and stripes have covered many caskets of men and women who felt compelled to ensure our rights and freedoms. When we love and respect that flag, we are respecting those who died for our liberty. May it ever wave in our yards, schools, government buildings and hearts.

Mike Jennings , police officer

The American flag has many meanings to many people. There is of course the symbolic meaning in the colors and what virtues they represent and the honor and care in which the flag should be displayed and cared for.

Unfortunately, all too often those standards are not met and we begin to see abuses and misuse of the flag. To some, any use of the flag they see fit is fine. I guess what I am trying to say is the flag and its meaning is subject to each person’s perspective and I guess that is ideally what it should be.

I would hope that you would consider my perspective as a police officer and a veteran. The flag belongs to and represents the people and the principles of this great country.

It is often used by our government to represent its agenda and actions throughout the world, and in recent years it has been used to rally support by wrapping it around the hidden agendas of special interests and influences that control our elected officials and their failed policies.

Fortunately, there are those who still believe in the principles of that flag and are willing to sacrifice all for those principles. They are called soldiers, sailors and airmen of our military and they are truly the best we have amongst us, the most noble profession. They rally to the call for service and place themselves in harm’s way for you and me so that we can be safe to enjoy the freedom they provide.

In the future, when someone decides to abuse or destroy a flag in protest, stop and consider that the flag is yours and it has been paid for by your brothers and sisters in arms. And ask yourself what that flag means to the family of the fallen soldier as they return home wrapped in the very flag they defend.

Take the time to seek out the images of our military cemeteries on  Memorial Day and the endless rows of waving flags placed there by their  fellow soldiers in honor and remembrance of the price they paid. But most of all, recognize that the flag belongs to us and not our government, and that it is a receipt for the price we have paid for the freedoms we enjoy and have provided to others all around this world.

It is our eternal duty to ensure that the flag is not abused or misused. We owe that to those who have sacrificed life, limb and sanity in paying for its cost. So consider those ideas when you feel the flag is a target of your anger.

J. Michael Houston , mayor of Springfield

My favorite thought of an American flag blowing in the breeze is standing atop the Abraham Lincoln Tomb as the Abraham Lincoln Council of the Boy Scouts of America holds its annual pilgrimage.

While the crowds are smaller today, in years past there would be more than 10,000 Boy Scouts standing in front of the tomb, with each troop that was represented holding an American flag. The flag bearers were grouped together in front of the Boy Scouts, which made a magnificent site as hundreds of American flags were blowing in the breeze.

I would stand there in awe as I would think of all the people who have made the ultimate sacrifice since our country’s founding that allows us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. We owe so much to so many for the sacrifices that have been made. It makes me proud to be an American.  

Our flag represents our principles, ideas and values as well as all the good things about our country. It reminds me of how blessed I am to have been born an American. That is what the flag represents to me.

The American flag stands for liberty and pride in our country, a country that gives me the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. A country that has allowed me to do anything I was willing to prepare myself to do and was willing to work to accomplish. It means that I am free to make my own choices.

Americans frequently forget how lucky we really are, the opportunities that we have, and the freedoms that we take for granted. The American flag is a reminder of all the privileges that we enjoy on a daily basis.

Our flag stands tall above buildings and spires and reminds us that more than 200 years ago, our forefathers established a nation based upon the freedom to choose our own destiny.

The flag is that symbol, one that allows us to better appreciate all of our freedoms and all of our opportunities that have allowed this country to remain strong.

Neil Williamson , Sangamon County sheriff

My early memory of the flag is when I was around 12 years old and I would intently watch my father proudly display our flag on a country dirt road in Williamsville.

My brothers and I would follow his footsteps and ask in unison if we could help. We loved watching the flag whip in the gusting wind over the fields and giggled when we heard the “pop” the fabric made when it flapped onto itself.  

Dad served in World War II and said the flag represented patriotism. That was a big word to a little boy. He told us “patriotism” meant devotion to country. He broke it down to our level by saying it meant the duty to take care of your family and protect your neighbors.

Mom pointed out the flag many times at the front of the church and told us it represented even more than patriotism; it meant we were free —  free to express ourselves through speech and the freedom of religious worship.

Recently when I went back to the small country church in Williamsville to worship, I saw the flag by the podium and the yellow ribbons tied to the prayer railing for the young men and women serving in the armed forces to protect our freedoms. I thought of momma and her gentle teachings about life and smiled.

Throughout my life, I’ve tried to walk a path in law enforcement to protect and serve. I credit the career decisions I’ve made in large part to the words of my parents and their actions and deeds.

In school we learned to stand tall and place our hand over our heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance, and we learned about our country’s history. We learned that our freedom did not come without a price, and for many that price was their lives.  

With this being an election year, there will be a lot of talk and speeches about what liberty, freedom and sacrifice mean to people. Through all the buzz and promises made during the election cycle, we will need to exercise our right to vote and vote for the best person to defend our freedom and liberty.

God bless America!

Susan Koch , UIS chancellor

What does the flag mean to me? Any other year but this year I might have answered this question by discussing, as a university’s chancellor probably should, that important purpose of a university education —  the preparation of citizens in a country that needs citizenship.  

But this year when I think about what the flag means to me all I can think about is a woman I know who, like me, is a mother of four.  

We were once neighbors on 19th Street near the university in Cedar Falls, Iowa. My youngest daughter, Rachel, was the Morris family baby sitter for several years. She often brought the children, Molly, Taylor, Riley and toddler Clare, to play at our house.

I always thought the kids looked like little ducklings following along in single file behind her and I was grateful to their mother, Juli, for the positive role model she provided for my rambunctious daughter.

After the kids outgrew the need for baby-sitting, we saw the Morris kids and their parents less often; but we stayed in touch, crossing paths at community events and basketball games and following news of our kids’ high school exploits in the paper.  

I still smile when I think of Juli’s much-anticipated holiday letters — they arrived in a bulging envelope each December — pages of photos and stories catching us up with great enthusiasm on the latest adventures of each member of the family.

Juli is too busy now to know this, but we are in touch once again and I am thinking about her every day.  She is at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Taylor’s girlfriend, Danielle, is sharing with her the writing of daily updates about Taylor on his Caring Bridge web page.

On May 3, Taylor, a 23-year-old Navy EOD — explosives ordinance demolition technician — stepped on a bomb in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, while on patrol. He lost his right leg at the knee, his left leg at mid-thigh, his right arm at the wrist and his left arm at the elbow.

Taylor is one of five members of the American military thus far who have survived the loss of four limbs in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Now like many others I look forward anxiously to a post every day with news from Juli or Danielle about Taylor. Surrounded by his family, his Navy friends and a team of dedicated medical specialists, he is making amazing progress. I am in awe at his courage and determination.

A few weeks ago on Mother’s Day, Juli posted this message: “Today is Mother’s Day and I am blessed. I am blessed because my children are safe.”  

So on this Fourth of July when I think about what the flag means to me, I’ll think about my former neighbor, Taylor’s mom. I’ll be grateful for the service of men and women like Taylor and for the sacrifices of their families.

I’ll send lots of positive energy Taylor’s way as Juli has requested and I’ll, too, be grateful that Juli’s son is safe.

You can read more about Taylor Morris at CaringBridge.org/visit/TaylorMorris .

Judy Baar Topinka, Illinois comptroller

I was taught that the American flag stands for everything great about America. I learned at an early age that the flag stands for the ideals of our nation — things like independence, justice, equality, and most of all, individual freedom.

But more important than the things I’ve learned in a classroom or read in a book is what I have witnessed and experienced over time. For me, the flag is personal.

When I look at the flag I think about the wonderful opportunity that this country provided to all four of my grandparents. They arrived from Eastern Europe and worked to start a small business, own a home and raise a family. Some may mock the “American Dream” as some cliché — but I saw it in action and am forever grateful.

I think about the generations of Americans who have served in our military under the auspices of that flag. I am in awe of their courage and selflessness, and mindful of what it has meant for our nation. My appreciation of that work is also personal as my son, Joseph, serves today under that flag in the U.S. Army — and I couldn’t be prouder.

Finally, I think about how the flag, and what it represents, must never be taken for granted. It is all too easy to pass dozens of flags — on buildings, in hallways, on uniforms — in a given day without giving it a second thought. I make it a point to not let that happen, and proudly hang the flag in front of my home, in my office and on my car to serve as a reminder.

Because ultimately, the flag provides a way for each and every one of us — no matter who we are or what we do — to honor our nation and show appreciation for our nation. It is important to take advantage of that opportunity at every turn, and never forget what it means to be an American.

Stan Zielinski

Old Glory, our beloved American flag … I pledge my allegiance to the flag; I honor it and respect what the flag stands for, and I believe in what it means to me: The American flag represents the true meaning of freedom for all Americans.

The earliest memories of the flag in my young life most likely occurred when I was with my mother who took me shopping with her. As we walked through our neighborhood with me scampering alongside, we’d walk past the local grade school on our way to shop at the bakery, grocery store or market.

Stationed atop a tall pole in the yard of the school was the American flag fluttering in the breeze, and on top was a gold eagle shining in the morning sun. Most likely my natural curiosity about the colorful flag encouraged me to ask my mother what it was, but I’m unable to clearly remember her explanation.

The flag became a part of my life when I entered kindergarten and I learned to say the Pledge of Allegiance with my right hand placed over my heart, along with our daily prayers. Of course I didn’t understand the meaning behind the words I spoke, but I knew they were important because the nun and we students said them every morning before the start of class.

It wasn’t until a couple of years later when I became a Cub Scout (with a flag patch on my sleeve) that I learned the history of the American flag. As a Scout, I was taught to always show respect to the flag by saluting it in the proper Scout fashion with my arm and hand straight with two fingers touching my cap.

As I became a teenager and moved up through high school and the Scouts, I followed the activities of the American military during foreign wars and conflicts and how the troops always carried the flag with them.

Like most kids my age I was awestruck by our military and the stories we heard and the war movies we saw at the local theater that featured actors including our movie hero, John Wayne or Audie Murphy (Medal of Honor, World War II) or some other American hero with the American flag waving in background.

After high school, I entered the Army National Guard, where I learned the proper military protocol and the rituals of facing and saluting in honor of our flag; during the morning raising of the flag to the evening retreat when it was lowered or when I walked past the flag.

Showing respect by saluting the flag helped instill strong, emotional feelings that I still carry to this day. I recall those memories every time I see the flag raised above. I stand at attention and proudly salute the flag for what it represents to me and all Americans: my freedom and privilege to live in America to honor and always pledge my allegiance to our venerated American flag.

Rick Richards

The flag of the United States of America is so intrinsically woven in the fabric of our democracy; one can not speak of country without visualizing our flag.

As a young boy, I looked up at the face of my father and I saw, glittering in the afternoon sun, a tear in his eye while he held his right hand over his heart during the playing of our national anthem. Back then I did not know why he expressed such deep emotion over our flag flying in the breeze, but all I need to know was that my dad respected it.

Today, as a proud grandfather I know beyond a doubt what my father was thinking as he stared at our flag, the symbol of the greatest nation on earth. 

At some past moment in time my dad, Jim, a combat veteran of World War II and I, a disabled combat wounded Vietnam veteran, became as one in our respect and honor of our flag; for we both experienced the sacrifices made by our forefathers to protect our flag so it will always be the symbol of America’s unity and strength as well as a beacon of hope for all the world to see. 

As I reflect on my life and my father’s experiences, I can still recall the pain from my wounds and the heartache in knowing that so many millions throughout the history of our country shed their blood and gave their lives on battlefields around the world to protect our flag and country and ensure freedom to our families.

Our flag as always been revered; during the Civil War nearly one third of the Congressional Medals of Honor earned were awarded to Army and Naval personnel for acts to protect the American flag or for anchoring it in enemy soil during battle.

Whenever I see the flying unfurled colors of our flag, my pride in having served for the principles of a free nation is strengthened, and my thoughts and memories of what our flag represents brings a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. 

I have also shed tears for the selfish acts of those who desecrate our flag simply to bolster their agenda, but I continue to pray for them and I collect resolve in knowing that our sacrifices were for them to also have the freedom symbolic in our flag. My heart goes out to and I salute those who today protect our flag and country.

My flag: “….long may it wave, over the land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.”

Thomas R. Jones

I am now a 60-year-old black man in America who appreciates honoring the flag for the life and hope it has given me. I fully understand the difference between being an American in America and abroad.

The American flag for me is a history that gives reason for the future. It means, for my children, a life of possibilities. It keeps in our memory the people who gave their all fighting under its banner. When I am dead, it will cover my casket and be given to my family as a memorable treasure.

In grammar school, it was the reason I had to say the Pledge of Allegiance in class. I learned through geography classes there were many countries in the world. I knew I lived in America, because of the flag.

In high school, I learned the history of the flag, known as the Star-Spangled Banner, Old Glory and Stars and Stripes. The flag consists of 13 horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with six white.

The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

The flag of the United States is one of the world’s most widely recognized symbols and our national anthem, one of the few national anthems in the world devoted to a flag

As I grew older, I became more aware of the flag. It was everywhere — school assemblies, sporting events, whenever there was a show of authority. Holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Presidents’ Day, Flag Day, and on Independence Day the America flag was displayed on mail boxes, hung on houses, stuck on cars, attached to thin sticks in yards.

On Memorial Day, small flags are placed by war memorials and next to the graves of U.S. war veterans and fly at half staff until noon, in remembrance of those who lost their lives fighting in U.S. wars.  Our country’s military history is a direct link to the American flag beginning with the struggle for independence by the colonies. The flag represents more than a nation or government policies, it also is an ideal.

The flag became personally even more important to me when I joined the Navy. In the military the American flag is the symbol of their existence, simple cloth that people would fight for and many died for.

I took the oath to serve my country under it. Went to war and put my life on the line serving it. I become part of the tradition that keeps it alive.

In the military, the flag lets others know you represent the America people and you are an American.  It meant home and a place of safety. It meant, you’re not alone.

Mike Walton

I have always been patriotic from my days as a youngster when I rode around on my bike with an American flag flying from the handle bars, to today where I fly Old Glory 24 hours a day, seven days a week, proudly in our front yard.

I had always flown a flag from my home, but several years ago my son Nicholas purchased and had a 25-foot flag pole placed in our yard for me. What a great present that was.

My father was a World War II veteran, and he and my mother were both very patriotic and active in the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary, so I suppose I grew up knowing what the flag stood for, how many brave men and women died and sacrificed for it and how each and every American should respect it.

I served in the military and spent a year in Vietnam and came home to a lot of Americans who were unfortunately burning the flag for whatever reason, which I suppose is their right as an American, just don’t do it around me! 

To this day when I watch our Old Glory wave in the wind, or I stand and pay my respect when a flag goes by in a parade, or when I stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance, I still feel a great sense of pride at being an American, an American Legionnaire and an American veteran.

So, whenever you see the symbol of our country flying proudly, remember those who gave so much so all of us could be free and live in the greatest country in the world, and remember to treat that flag with the great respect it deserves.

Mark Denzler

Several months ago, on a cold but sunny day, I stood at the new gravesite of my Uncle Tom Heidenreich as an honor guard played taps and a young soldier on bended knee, while presenting a folded American flag to my aunt, voiced the immortal words designed to assuage grief and bring comfort to families:

“On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to this country and a grateful nation.” 

But what does the American flag mean?  What does it stand for?  When the Continental Congress authorized creation of a seal for the United States in 1776, its mission was to “reflect the beliefs, values, and sovereignty of the new nation.”

The 50 stars, symbolizing the states, represent the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripes, symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun represent the 13 original colonies, and the colors red (hardiness and valor), white (purity and innocence), and blue (vigilance, perseverance, and justice) comprise Old Glory today.

The beauty of the iconic Old Glory is that while it represents freedom and American democratic ideals, the real meaning is in the eye of the beholder.

For millions of new immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island, the American flag represented a beacon of hope for a new life, a scenario that continues to play out every day as people chase their hopes and dreams.  When lowered to half-mast, the American flag announces that we have lost a hero who served our country, protecting the very freedom epitomized in the colors of our nation.  Young school children address the flag every day when they say the Pledge of Allegiance to the greatest country on earth.

The American flag, in my mind, is a constant reminder of the sacrifices that hundreds of thousands of Americans have made to protect our democracy and freedoms.

I have the wonderful opportunity to work every day in the state Capitol, and briefly toiled as a young staffer in the halls of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and I love the fact that people have the right to express their views and opinions without fearing repercussions that may include jail or even death in other areas of the world.  

Our flag represents the charity, idealism, ingenuity, heritage, and freedom of a country and its people that continue to serve as an inspiration for millions of people around the world.

Ramona Bersch

The flag is a proud and beloved symbol of all that America stands for, which was originally handed down to all Americans from the colonial period, to be honored and respected for all American generations to come from that time forward.

It would fly wherever America would be represented over land and sea during war and peace, with dignity, for all it would endure when and wherever it would appear.

It instills an enduring feeling of liberty and justice whenever displayed, or when the words are spoken: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.”

Libby Larkin-Booker

Every time I see the flag I get chills knowing what our ancestors went through beginning these United States, times of war, the depression, etc. 

I also get a “blast” from the past. My grade school principal, Don Bone in Bethany was the most patriotic individual I have ever known.  He taught us not only to respect the flag, but to respect those who fought for us under that flag and each other.  We even had yearly assemblies in the boiler room to properly dispose of the American flag.

When I see a flag flying that is torn and tattered, it makes me sad thinking that possibly those individuals or businesses just don’t care. If you have a torn and/or tattered flag, please take it to your American Legion and they will see to it that it is disposed of in a proper manner. 

• Lesson Plans
• Teacher's Guides
• Media Resources

Oh, Say, Can You See What the Star-Spangled Banner Means?

Currier & Ives - Star spangled banner.

• Library of Congress

"[The War of 1812] inspired a fresh wave of patriotism in a generation too young to remember the Revolution. When [Francis Scott] Key declared that “our flag was still there,” he fused the physical symbol of the nation with universal feelings of patriotism, courage, and resilience. By giving the flag a starring role in one of the most celebrated victories of the war, Francis Scott Key’s song established a new prominence for the flag as an expression of national identity, unity, and pride." -"Symbols of a New Nation", The Star Spangled Banner .

Prior to 1814, other American symbols were more prominent than the American flag. Early American gold coins, for example, featured the eagle and the "Liberty Cap." While the Liberty Cap is scarcely recognized today, the American flag has grown in importance. The flag became "the primary symbol of American patriotism" after Francis Scott Key's poetic account of the bombardment of Fort McHenry stirred a powerful sentiment in the American people. Using archival documents and images, students will associate Key's words with historic events and recognize the sentiment those words inspired. In the second part of the unit, students will review the symbols within the flag and look at some historic images of the flag that have become part of our national consciousness.

Guiding Questions

In what ways do the lyrics of "The Star-Spangled Banner" reflect actual events?

What evidence do we have of its popularity?

What are some events involving the flag that have contributed to Americans' image of their flag and their country?

Learning Objectives

Indicate phrases from "The Star-Spangled Banner" that refer to the bombardment of Fort McHenry

List ways in which the American flag is used

Discuss the symbols within the American flag and some ways in which the flag has been used as a symbol of the Unites States

Lesson Plan Details

This unit is divided into two parts, each of which can be used independently. The first section concentrates on the historic origin of the Star-Spangled Banner. The second part concentrates on the flag's symbolism. Throughout the lesson, engage students to think outside the historical context; challenge them to think critically about what the flag and anthem mean to Americans, to our country, and to the rest of the world.

• Review each lesson in this unit and select appropriate archival materials to use in class discussions—particularly for Lesson 3. Bookmark them, if possible; download and print out the selected documents and duplicate copies as necessary for student viewing.
• Obtain background information on the Star-Spangled Banner from  The Star-Spangled Banner web feature from the Smithsonian Museum of American History
• If desired, familiarize the students with the following vocabulary words before beginning this unit: anthem, banner, patriotism, preservation, spangled, stars and stripes, and symbol.
• The materials list in "The Star-Spangled Banner in Pictures and Words" identifies images that require no (or very little) reading and documents that require reading at varying levels of difficulty. These materials can be assigned to student groups or individuals or simply displayed around the room for everyone to inspect. The extensive list of images and documents allows flexibility in adapting the lesson to a particular class. One group, for example, may be more interested in or comfortable with the documents than another.
• For "What Does It Mean?", supply the students with copies of the first stanza (or more, if desired) of the National Anthem.
• "The Annotated Anthem" is written as a teacher-directed lesson. Independent students can create an annotated anthem on their own. For a whole-class version of Lesson 5, prepare a large copy of the first stanza of the Star-Spangled Banner on a series of sheets of large paper. Select excerpts that will allow for illustration using the documents from "The Star-Spangled Banner in Pictures and Words", or student-created images. Leave sufficient space to illustrate each excerpt with the images the class chooses (or creates).
• For "Symbols in a Symbol: What Does the Flag Mean? A Mini-Lesson", obtain a large flag to share with the class and/or individual flags for each student. Check with your local VFW Post.
• For "What Does the Flag Mean?", prepare copies of the poem to distribute as necessary. In addition, students who will give the survey at home will need copies of the images. Reducing the size of the images and placing them on one sheet would save paper.

The Statue of Liberty: The Meaning and Use of a National Symbol

• A Landmark Lesson: The United States Capitol
• National Archives Educator Resources , available through EDSITEment, offers a series of worksheets for analyzing primary source documents , including written documents and photographs, that you may wish to use or adapt to help students in reviewing the materials presented in this unit.

Activity 1. The Star-Spangled Banner: A Flag, a Poem, a National Anthem

Flag sightings.

• A few days before you begin the unit, challenge the students to look for the American flag everywhere. Tell them the class will be compiling a list of all of their flag sightings. Their sightings can include actual flags, images of flags and references to the flag.
• Compile the class list of flag sightings. Follow with a discussion about the flag. Pose the following sorts of questions to the students: Why is the flag important in the military? Why did an American astronaut leave an American flag on the moon? Why do American athletes cry when they see the flag and hear the National Anthem played during the Olympics? Did anyone see any use of the flag he/she felt was inappropriate? And finally, why does the American flag symbolize pride for the United States?

The Real Star-Spangled Banner

The Star-Spangled Banner was made by Mary Pickersgill for Fort McHenry. It originally measured 30 x 42 feet, about one-quarter the size of a basketball court, but a large portion of the flag is now missing. Each star is about two feet across. This flag design became the official United States flag on May 1, 1795. With the addition of two stars for Vermont (admitted as the 14th state on March 4, 1791) and Kentucky (admitted as the 15th state on June 1, 1792), this flag was to last for 23 years. The five Presidents who served under this flag were George Washington (1789-1797), John Adams (1797-1801), Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809), James Madison (1809-1817) and James Monroe (1817-1825). The 15-star, 15-stripe flag was authorized by the Flag Act of January 13, 1794, adding two stripes and two stars. The regulation went into effect on May 1, 1795. This flag was the only American flag to have more than 13 stripes. It was immortalized by Francis Scott Key during the bombardment of Fort McHenry, Sept 13, 1814 (see The 15-Star Flag , on The Flag of the United States of America , a link from the EDSITEment resource Internet Public Library). The Star-Spangled Banner was likely damaged not only in the Battle of Baltimore but also by time, the actions of its owners and previous attempts to restore it.

• Why are so many people looking at the flag in the photograph? What do students notice about the condition of the flag? How many stars were there all together? What could have happened to the damaged star? What in the classroom can help us visualize the size of the stars in this flag, which are two feet across? How big does that make the whole flag? Why would a flag meant to fly at a fort be made so large? What may have caused the present condition of the flag? How can you tell?
• Look at The Star-Spangled Banner , a 1913 portrait of Francis Scott Key reaching out toward the flag, available on the EDSITEment resource America's Library . This is the same flag as in the first photo. What's going on in the painting?
• Identify the flag for the class as the Star-Spangled Banner. "The Star-Spangled Banner in Pictures and Words" will help students answer many of the questions posed in this lesson.

The Star-Spangled Banner in Pictures and Words

• Recite the first stanza of the National Anthem for the class. Tell students they will understand the difficult words better and learn more about the early history of the Star-Spangled Banner (flag and song) by analyzing some primary source materials.
• What happened on Tuesday, Sept. 13, and Wednesday, Sept. 14, 1814?
• What in the first verse of the National Anthem refers to something that actually happened?
• Which objects show how the poem "The Defense of Fort McHenry" by Francis Scott Key was being publicized?
• Which objects indicate that Francis Scott Key's poem was popular? Why do you think the poem was so popular?
• Did the song immediately become our National Anthem?
• What caused the present condition of the flag known as the Star-Spangled Banner?
• What indication is there that the bombardment of Fort McHenry and the subsequent events surrounding Key's poem are considered important today?
• An Artist's Rendering of the Bombardment on Fort McHenry , available via a link from Internet Public Library
• British Congreve rocxet (like in "rocket's red glare") , available on The Star-Spangled Banner , a link from Internet Public Library
• First printed edition combining words and music (Baltimore: Thomas Carr, 1814 Printed sheet music) , available on the Library of Congress website, a link from American Memory . One of only ten copies known to exist, this copy of "The Star-Spangled Banner" is housed today in the Library of Congress.
• Fragment of the Fort McHenry flag , available on The Star-Spangled Banner , a link from Internet Public Library. Certain people were granted the privilege of cutting fragments from the flag as souvenirs. "Indeed had we have given all we had been importuned for," Georgiana Appleton wrote, "little would be left to show." Owners of some of these historic fragments have given theirs to the Smithsonian.
• Images of Red Chevron , available on The Star-Spangled Banner , a link from Internet Public Library. Louisa Armistead sewed the red chevron on one of the flag's white stripes. According to her daughter, she intended it to be the letter A, probably for "Armistead."
• Francis Scott Key. "The Star-Spangled Banner." Washington, D.C., October 21, 1840. Holograph manuscript. Music Division, Library of Congress (65) , available on the Library of Congress website, a link from American Memory . Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor on the night of September 13 and 14, 1814. Exhilarated by the successful defense of the fort, Key wrote the words that became in 1931 the National Anthem of the United States. Key wrote the poem in 1814; rewriting it by hand in 1840 indicates the ongoing popularity of the piece.
• The National Anthem was officially adopted in 1931. Before that time, others had attempted the writing of a National Anthem. An example from 1879 is available via a link from American Memory ; an 1883 anthem, America: A National Anthem , is available on American Memory .
• Official Account of the Bombardment of Fort McHenry , available on The Star-Spangled Banner.
• Francis Scott Key's Original Manuscript , available on The Star-Spangled Banner Complete version (transcript) of "The Star-Spangled Banner" showing spelling and punctuation from Francis Scott Key's manuscript in the Maryland Historical Society collection.
• First Known Printing of Key's Poem , available on The Star-Spangled Banner
• An audio clip  of the Star Spangled Banner is available on this site.
• After reviewing the images and documents, discuss student reactions as a class. Allow students to share their hypotheses regarding the questions presented at the beginning of the lesson and to identify specific documentary evidence to support their theories.

What Does It Mean?

Recite the words of the first stanza of the National Anthem with the class. Go through the stanza phrase by phrase. What does the class understand each to mean, or refer to, now?

The Annotated Anthem

As a culminating activity, challenge the class, under your guidance, to use materials from Lesson 3 to create an annotated copy of the first stanza of "The Star-Spangled Banner." On large pieces of paper, display appropriate sections of the first-stanza lyrics. Ask students to select an image or document, or to design an image to illustrate the words on each page. Attach the appropriate image or document to each excerpt. Put a brief explanation (as suggested by students) at the bottom of each page. Technically savvy students could turn this product into a slide presentation using PowerPoint or HyperCard.

Activity 2. What Does the Flag Mean?

Symbols in a symbol.

A symbol stands for an idea. Over the years, a symbol tends to take on a meaning related to its history, function or appearance. Ideas can also be gradually transferred to an object over time. In this way, an object can take on new meanings. For example, when you see the Star-Spangled Banner, you may simply see a large flag, you might think about its history, or you may have personal feelings about the flag based on your own experiences. Over the course of our country's history, the flag has become more important as a symbol of our country, though each American can still endow it with a personal meaning. The flag resonates with the symbols of its original design (colors, stars, stripes) and the meanings that have become associated with it since then. Review with your students the definition of a symbol. If desired, use the following activity, as described in the EDSITEment lesson The Statue of Liberty: The Meaning and Use of a Symbol:

• Wooden statue of Fudô Myô-ô
• Mali: Statue of Mother and Child

Have the class compare a contemporary flag in your classroom with the "first flag" on Flag Day Celebrated , an image and brief background information available on the EDSITEment resource America's Library . The flag design does change at times. Why? What do the changes represent? (A new star for every state, an attempt to increase the number of stripes as new states were admitted.) However, certain properties of the flag have never changed. What are they? (Colors, stars, general design.) Why were those designs and colors chosen? To answer this question, share with the class Symbols of U.S. Government: The American Flag , a brief essay on Ben's Guide to Government for Kids , a link from the EDSITEment resource Internet Public Library.

What Does the Flag Mean?

Share the following poem with the class. Consider reading it to the class during your usual story time. (Note: It is not necessary to identify all of the historical events mentioned in the poem, or to identify what is factually correct or incorrect in it, to discuss the author's intention. Though composed by a famous songwriter — Johnny Cash — this piece was written as a poem and is not available as a song.) This poem is also available from EDSITEment in PDF format . You may wish to download the poem and make copies.

"Ragged Old Flag" By Johnny Cash I walked through a county courthouse square, On a park bench an old man was sitting there. I said, "Your old courthouse is kinda run down." He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town." I said, "Your flagpole has leaned a little bit, And that's a Ragged Old Flag you got hanging on it." He said, "Have a seat," and I sat down. "Is this the first time you've been to our little town?" I said, "I think it is." He said, "I don't like to brag, But we're kinda proud of that Ragged Old Flag. "You see, we got a little hole in that flag there When Washington took it across the Delaware. And it got powder-burned the night Francis Scott Key Sat watching it writing Oh, Say Can You See. And it got a bad rip in New Orleans With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seams. "And it almost fell at the Alamo Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on through. She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill. There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard and Bragg, And the south wind blew hard on that Ragged Old Flag. "On Flanders Field in World War I She got a big hole from a Bertha gun. She turned blood red in World War II. She hung limp and low by the time it was through. She was in Korea and Vietnam. She went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam. "She waved from our ships upon the briny foam, And now they've about quit waving her back here at home. In her own good land she's been abused— She's been burned, dishonored, denied and refused. "And the government for which she stands Is scandalized throughout the land. And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin, But she's in good shape for the shape she's in. 'Cause she's been through the fire before And I believe she can take a whole lot more. "So we raise her up every morning, Take her down every night. We don't let her touch the ground And we fold her up right. On second thought, I DO like to brag, 'Cause I'm mighty proud of that Ragged Old Flag." -"Ragged Old Flag" written by Johnny Cash, © 1974 (renewed) SONG OF CASH, INC. (ASCAP) / Administered by BUG MUSIC / All rights reserved. Used by Permission.

Discuss the poem. What made the old man in the poem proud of the flag? According to the old man, where had the flag been? Do you think he was talking about the flag in front of the courthouse or the American flag itself? What would you say the flag meant to the old man? The flag is important to Americans. For example, think about medal-winning athletes who break into tears when they see the flag. People associate the flag with our country's ideals and its history. In this lesson, students decide what the flag means to them. Share with the class an appropriate number of the following images and their captions from EDSITEment resources. For each, ask students to write one sentence describing what the picture brings to mind about the American flag and the United States. They should react to each image you present, even if they are unfamiliar with the historical moment portrayed.

• Flag Day Celebrated , available on America's Library —The flag as a symbol of our country's history.
• U.S. Marines raising the American flag over Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima, in February 1945 , available via a link from American Memory —The flag as a symbol of the fight for freedom around the world.
• "Photograph of President Lyndon B. Johnson placing a wreath before the flag-draped casket of President John F. Kennedy, during funeral services for Kennedy in the Capitol rotunda," available on Educator Resources  (Using the NAIL Expert Search , check the box "Only Descriptions Linked to Digital Copies" and search for the words "Johnson," "wreath" and "Kennedy.")—The flag as a symbol of American heroes who died in service to our country.
• Flag on the Moon , available on Man on the Moon , a link from Internet Public Library—The flag as a symbol of our country's technological achievements.
• Michael Johnson with American flag , available on the International Olympic Committee website, a link from Internet Public Library (click on the link to Michael Johnson's picture)—The flag as a symbol of individual achievement by American heroes.

Discuss the images and the students' reactions. Which images stirred the students the most? What does the flag mean to the students?

A Survey: What Does the Flag Mean to Americans?

Now that the class has reacted to various images of the flag, students will attempt to determine if older Americans react in a similar way. What does the flag mean to their parents and/or other significant adults in their lives? During class discussion, have students prepare a few questions for a survey they will present to various adults, and decide which images to use (one or more of those from " Symbols in a Symbol: What Does the Flag Mean? (above)," or others that you or the students select). When the questions are ready, have students complete the survey with an assigned number of adults; provide a deadline when surveys should be completed. After students have had a chance to give the survey, discuss the results. What are the similarities between adult and student reactions to the images? Differences? Is it possible to sharpen the definition of what the flag means to Americans in general or were reactions mostly individual?

Selected EDSITEment Websites

• American Memory
• America's Library
• National Archives Educator Resources
• Betsy Ross Homepage
• Celebrating America's Freedoms
• The Flag of the United States of America
• Fort McHenry
• International Olympic Committee
• Man on the Moon
• The Star-Spangled Banner
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Explore and Learn

Other Resources: Recommended reading from the Learning Page of American Memory

• Old, Wendie C. George Washington. Springfield, N.J.: Enslow Publishers, 1997.

Recommended reading from "Our Flag" (U.S. Government Printing Office Washington: 1998), available on Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids , a link from Internet Public Library

• Mountain, Lee. Uncle Sam and the Flag . Illustrated by Jeanne Pearson. Oddo Publishing Inc., 1990. (Grades 2-4; ISBN: 0877831459)
• Read A New Flag Flew Over the U.S. Capitol on the EDSITEment resource America's Library . There has been discussion of Puerto Rico or Washington, D.C., becoming a 51st state. How would students propose to arrange 51 (or 52) stars? The designer of the 50-star flag has already designed a 51-star flag. For the story behind both designs, visit Robert G. Heft: Designer of America's Current National Flag , available on The Flag of the United States of America , a link from the EDSITEment-reviewed website Internet Public Library.
• Students interested in the controversy over the condition of the flag can try the interactive activity You Solve the Mystery on The Star-Spangled Banner , a link from the EDSITEment resource Internet Public Library. For further information, read The Star-Spangled Banner Preservation Project or Facts and Details about the Preservation Project , both available on The Star-Spangled Banner .
• Did Betsy Ross really create the first flag? Though many scholars believe she did not, others believe she did. Information on both sides of the controversy may be found on Betsy Ross and the Betsy Ross Homepage , both available via links from the EDSITEment-reviewed website Internet Public Library.
• Celebrating America's Freedoms , a link from Internet Public Library
• Flag Day , available on America's Library
• Flag Etiquette , available on the Betsy Ross Homepage , a link from Internet Public Library
• The Flag of the United States of America , a link from Internet Public Library, contains images and background information on all the official U.S. flags, including The Story of Old Glory and The 49-Star Flag
• Interested students can learn more about the Battle of Baltimore and the War of 1812. Through the website Fort McHenry , a link from the EDSITEment-reviewed website Internet Public Library, students can research further key people or places associated with the Star-Spangled Banner, such as Francis Scott Key, General Armistead and Fort McHenry. A memorandum in which President Madison describes his futile attempt to organize a military defense of the nation's capital on August 24, 1814 is available on the Library of Congress website, a link from the EDSITEment resource American Memory .
• Every state has its own symbols, such as flags, mottoes and songs. A good place to start an investigation of state symbols is 50 States & Capitals , a link from the EDSITEment-reviewed website Internet Public Library. It also contains a link to every official state website (click on the state name at the top of each state's page).
• The Star-Spangled Banner has four verses. Generally, only the first is sung. Students who want to become familiar with the entire song can find the lyrics on Songs and Oaths: The Star-Spangled Banner , available on Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids , a link from the EDSITEment resource Internet Public Library.
• Your local VFW Post may have a program to bring to your classroom about the history and/or etiquette of the flag.

Materials & Media

Oh, say, can you see: worksheet 1, related on edsitement, the statue of liberty: bringing “the new colossus” to america, a day for the constitution.

WHAT THE AMERICAN FLAG MEANS TO ME

On June 14, 1885, Bernard J. Cigrand, a 19-year-old teacher at Stony Hill School placed a 10-inch, 38 star flag on his desk.  He asked his students to write an essay in reflection of what this flag meant to them.  The National Flag Day Foundation aims to keep this patriotic tradition alive.

2024 ESSAY CONTEST

The essay contest is open to all students grades 4-12. All students in public, private, parochial, home, or virtual schools are invited and encouraged to participate. Maximum length of the essays are:     1. 150 words in length for grades 4 and 5     2. 250 words in length for grades 6 and 7     3. 500 words in length for grades 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 All entries must be original and should reflect on the prompt, "What does the American flag mean to me?" Judging criteria is: Composition                                            60% Originality                                               20% Grammar, punctuation, and spelling           20% Please provide a cover sheet with the essay that includes the contestant’s name, grade, name of school, home address and phone number. Please note, submission of an entry indicates a consent for the winner's name, school, and home town to be published on this site. Winners will also be invited to read their essay at the Flag Day Observance in Waubeka, Wisconsin. Prizes will be awarded to each age group (grades 4-5), (grades 6-7), and (grades 8-12) that include first place of $250 and second place prize of $125. Winners will be notified by April 30, 2024. Please submit entries by April 24, 2024 via: [email protected] OR National Flag Day Observance 2024                  PO Box 55                  Waubeka, WI 53021 For more information contact: Pam Schlenvogt at (414) 333-8778

2023 Essay Contest Winners

Grades 4 and 5

First Place Winner: Oliver Grogan, Oconomowoc, WI

Second Place Winner: Kirra Robbins, Reno, NV

Grades 6 and 7

First Place Winner: Benjamin Wu, University Place, WA

Second Place Winner: Benjamin Hallett, Grafton, WI

Grades 8-12

First Place Winner: Vania Munjar, Atlanta, GA

Second Place Winner: Zakary Miller, Fredonia, WI

2023 Winning Essays

First place - grades 4 & 5 oliver grogan, oconomowoc, wi.

The American flag is a very patriotic symbol.  To me, it is more than that though.  It represents the blood, sweat, and tears of all the men and women who willingly laid down their lives for our nation and our freedom.  To me, the flag represents freedom, justice, and hope.  I am proud to say that I am an American and that our nation truly represents freedom and equality.  I know that here I can go to sleep knowing that I am safe.  I think it's incredible that we started off with a flag and country with only thirteen colonies and thirteen stars.  And now we have grown to be a country with fifty states and fifty stars.  It's truly amazing to look back and see all of the progress we have made! That is what the American flag means to me! I am extremely proud to be an American!

Second Place - Grades 4 & 5 Kirra Robbins, Reno, NV

What does the U.S. flag mean to me? To me, our flag is more than just an ordinary flag, our flag is much more.  From the red and white stripes, to the stars, to the flag's thirteen folds, it shows we are free.  It is a symbol of independence, liberty, and freedom.  It is a symbol of the soldiers that sacrificed their life to protect this country and our flag.  The flag reminds us of all the blood, sweat, and tears shed to make this country the free country it is today.  I hope whenever someone sees the U.S. flag they are reminded of all this.  This is what the United States of America flag means to me. 

First Place - Grades 6 & 7 Benjamin Wu, University Place, WA

Every time my family drives on highway I-5, our eyes are drawn to an enormous flag, dancing in the wind, proudly on display from a local business.  On holidays, my neighborhood is adorned with many smaller flags, forming a sea of stars and stripes.  The American flag is truly the People's flag, symbolizing the people's value of liberty, valor, and hope.

When Betsy Ross was asked to design the first US flag in 1777, it showed that a free country was formed.  With time passing by, it has become a beacon of freedom and liberties for people around the world.  They come under this flag because our land is free, just, and full of opportunities.  The flag also stands for valor.  Valor of soldiers, fighting in bloody wars for our country, to protect its honor and to protect us from harm.  The flag also symbolizes hope.  Hope is ingrained into the creation of our flag.  When the flag was born, war was raging, and only the hope that led to our perseverance saved our country.  So in dark times, we can look towards the flag, and feel the hope it represents.

Because of all the great values the flag stands for, we fondly make it a part of our daily lives; as students, every school day morning, we salute to the flag with the pledge of allegiance: "...One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." It is why I'm so proud to be an American.

Second Place - Grades 6 & 7 Benjamin Hallett, Grafton, WI

The American flag is a symbol of freedom.  It has flown through many battles in our country's history.  When I see our majestic flag billowing in the wind, I remember the soldiers who have given everything to protect us, our country, and our precious freedom.  As the flag ripples and casts its shadow over us, it shows that we are always safe behind our brave men and women in all branches of the military.  The flag is a symbol of our powerful country and that under God, our country will thrive.  Our flag encourages us to keep going, whether it's flying over a farm or a battlefield, we keep persevering for our beloved country.  The bold colors of crisp red, deep blue, and pure white shows the boldness of our country. It reminds me of the bravery of my family, my father, grandfathers, and great grandfathers who have served for our great country.  I will never forget the day when we were at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and they invited the veterans up. My dad went up and they selected him to fold the flag that night.  I was so proud.  We have made it our tradition to get a new flag and put it up every Memorial Day. Our flag symbolizes the bravery and selflessness many have shown for our country.  The tough decisions and split second choices have all led to what our country is today. The flag is a reminder of how much I love my country.

First Place - Grades 8-12 Vania Munjar, Atlanta, GA

The American flag is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world.  Its colors and design are instantly recognizable, and it has become a symbol of freedom and opportunity.  The flag is more than just a piece of cloth; it represents the values and ideals of a nation.  To me, the American flag represents the freedom and opportunity that this country offers.

As an immigrant, India is a country which has limited opportunity and freedom.  The American flag represents the promise of a better life.  It is a symbol of motivation for me to work hard, achieve success, and make a positive impact on the world.  The flag also represents the unity and diversity of the American people, reminding immigrants that they are a part of a larger community that values their contributions and welcomes them with open arms.  I know that America has always been a melting pot of cultures, and the flag represents the diversity of the people who call America home.  It symbolizes the unity of people from all walks of life, who come together to form a nation that is greater than the sum of its parts.

For many, the American flag is a symbol of freedom.  The red stripes on the flag represent the bloodshed of those who have fought for our freedom, while the white stripes symbolize the purity and innocence of the nation.  The blue field with the stars represents the unity of the 50 states and the hope for a brighter future.  The flag is a reminder that freedom is not free, and that it requires sacrifice and hard work.

The American Dream is a concept that is familiar to people all over the world, and the American flag represents the hope and opportunity that this dream provides.  For me and my family the American flag is a symbol of the chance to achieve success, to live a better life, and to make a difference in the world.  Furthermore, the American flag is a reminder that anything is possible in America.  This country has given me the opportunity to be a part of a community that values education, innovation, and hard work.  It has given me the chance to pursue my dreams and to make a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, the American flag is much more than just a piece of cloth; it is a symbol of the values and ideals that this country represents. It is a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made to protect our freedom and of the opportunities that America provides to those who are willing to work hard and pursue their dreams.  The flag is a symbol of unity, diversity, and hope, and it serves as a reminder that we are all in this together.

Second Place - Grades 8-12 Zakary Miller, Fredonia, WI

What does the American flag mean to me? Ever since my dad fought the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan I've always asked my country to look after him.  I've always asked that our flag would stand high with pride over his head.  Every time to go to a flag burning we show pride and honor for discharging the flags of our fathers.  We try to pull out any of them that aren't ripped, faded, or in any sad condition.  The flag should be taken care of like it's the most precious thing in your life.  We save the flags with 40 stars to restore the originality of our country during the Second World War.

I never thought I would see one of us come from another country in a box with our flag over him.  But that's just how life works.  Our flag means many things like tour loyalty, pride in the country, and even showing respect to those who died for this country, our flag, and our people.  To this day I have shown hope in our flag.  I still fly an American flag either in my room, outside, or in my dad's personal Military garage.  I will never stop giving hope in our country, I will never stop giving hope until our flag is overthrown by another which I believe will never happen.

I'm writing this essay for the countless lives lost over the years, overseas, or even on our soil.  I'm writing this because it's the best way to show how much you mean about our flag.  Writing about what you love most is one of the best ways to show kindness, love, and loyalty to a friend or our flag. What I love most about the proudly earned American flag are the colors that make it pop out from any other country of the 50 stars showing how much land we've managed to salvage just to give our people home and freedom.

Until the time comes our flag will always be standing strong and tall with the might of a thousand suns or the hope in our people to make America better and to soon add more to our precious flag.  But what does the American flag mean to me... it means I know I can go outside and have a smile on my face, it means I can have a well-earned reward for something I do, it means I can look in the sky, and see that our flag is still there flying with all its glory.

2022 WHAT THE FLAG MEANS TO ME ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS

Olivia Schmitz – Fredonia, Wisconsin – 4th Grade – 1st Place

This is what the flag means to me. The flag means war, hard work, perseverance, and how people gave their lives for the flag, which represents how much they love the United States of America. The flag means peace, love, and joy. America will always stand united and always fight for what is right in the world, never what is wrong. The flag means to love the place you live and to honor the ones who fought for it. It means everybody everywhere will always be welcomed and get the same treatment as everybody else; it will not matter if your skin is black or if it’s white. What matters most is how you are on the inside and flag will show you that. The flag will guide you through hard times. That’s what the flag means to me.

Desiree Jaicynth Wilson Lao – Reno, Nevada – 5th Grade – 2nd Place

The American Flag was made possible by many wonderful people that have lived before us. The flag was made to bring freedom, liberty, and justice to our country. People may just take a first glance at the flag and not think deeply about what millions of soldiers had suffered through just to fight for the future’s freedom and their family’s freedom. When I take a look, I can feel the pride and freedom run through my veins. “United we Stand, divided we fall,” Lincoln once said. That’s how I feel when I see the flag. It makes me feel proud of my country. If our flag wasn’t here, I may not be standing here this very second. All in all, I am proud and free because of our Flag.

Madi Eckhart – Neenah, Wisconsin – 8th Grade – 1st Place

To me, as to many others, the American flag symbolizes our country’s perseverance and overcomings; the war we fought, the freedom we gained, and the impediments yet to arise. Our flag displays the rightful freedom of our country. It is a sign of refuge for those seeking it. It is a sign of respect for all those who fought for our country and died a hero in doing so. It is a sign of power in our strong leadership, non despotic; the bond that the states share as they work together to run this country. It is a sign of home for many. The American flag is symbolic of our country, of our strifes and overcomings, of our leadership, of our heroes, and of our past. The American flag brings the country together, unites fifty states as one, guides our nation through thick and thin, and carries our country through it all. The flag will forever be the trademark of our country. The first American flag was created by Betsy Ross in 1777. It started off with thirteen stripes and a circle of thirteen patriotic stars in the top left corner. This symbolized the thirteen colonies that made up our country, and the flag has since developed with the country. Today, the flag proudly waves fifty stars, one for every state that constructs the United States. However, these people, this land, was not always a country. It was first under the rule of Great Britain, a powerful country wishing nothing from the 13 colonies but their tax money. War broke out among the colonists and Great Britain in 1775, which led to the making of a new country: The United States of America. The rise of one country left the defeat of another in its wake. Our flag carries the story of a journey to independence in its stripes and flags as it elegantly waves over our victory to this day. Our flag waves proudly today in remembrance of all those who fought for our country. There have been countless wars our country has fought in with much trauma endured, either to defend our own country or protect another. Many have served in the war, and many died in doing so. The American flag waves today to venerate the losses that we carry with us as a country, to honor and lament those who died proudly serving our country, and display their bravery throughout the nation. The American flag means a lot of things to me. It showcases the trials and triumphs our country has walked through together. It stands for a land many are proud to call home. The flag waves to display the bravery of men and women who fought to defend and guard our country. The American flag also tells a story. One of how the United States of American came to be. Of the difficult war we fought for independence, fighting sagaciously, earning our right of freedom. This is what the American flag means to me.

Taylor Browning – Hammond, Wisconsin – 8th Grade – 2nd Place

I s the American Flag just some piece of fabric with red and white stripes, an undersized blue box, and white stars? In contrast, is the flag something that represents freedom and justice in our country? Everyone has a different opinion on what the American flag truly represents for them, but most can agree with the statement that the flag shows the true meaning of being American. Being American does not just mean that you were born in the country and have all the rights that you are given in the Bill of Rights and Constitution. The true representation of being American is the American Flag and how it shows the history all Americans went through. The hard-fought battles of all United States soldiers and the eloquent speeches given by founding fathers, abolitionists, and activists. The American flag not only shows the great times in history that pathed our way, but the pain we had to feel. The exceptional gut-wrenching pain we had to feel after the 9/11 attacks and the attack on Pearl Harbor. Each attack left every American looking for an emblem to bring us back hope. The American flag is the symbol that brought hope during times of pain and times of change in history. The American Flag shows us not only how to be a true Americans, but how America was built. One quote said by Harry S. Truman states, “America was not built on fear. American was built on courage, on imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” By this quote, the American flag shows us how to have the courage to fight for our freedom and have the determination to get the job done and done well. The flag shows us to imagine the great times that are coming in America and how we can keep America safe for everyone. Courage, Imagination, and unbeatable determination are truly some of the best ways to be a great American. This piece of fabric for some is something that just hangs to show our country as a whole, but to me, it is the true American symbol of life. It shows me how to be a civilized American and how I should help make out country a better place. The American flag is not a political party emblem. It is also not something that should be burned at the hand of somebody who claims they love America. Being a true American is using your courage to fight, your imagination to hope, and unstoppable determination to get the job done to represent the flag. Being a true American is looking at the history the flag shows us and understanding that we have been given this freedom and we cannot take it for granted, because some countries are struggling right now. So I leave you with the thought that, is the American flag just some red and white stripes, an undersized blue box, and white stars that show us justice and freedom?

Nolan Wood – Fredonia, Wisconsin – 7th Grade – 1st Place

The flag is a symbol of freedom. When I stand up for the Pledge of Allegiance every morning and put my hand over my heart. I am thanking all of the brave people who got drafted into the war, unknowing of what would happen overseas. They fought for our people, they fought for our rights, our land, and most of all, our Freedom. Our Freedom is like no one elses. Our Freedom is like nothing any one else will ever have or know. Our Freedom is because of that flag. Because it is still waving through the air. Because of the brave soldiers who fought for this. They saved our flag, they saved our Freedom. That flag with the 50 stars and 13 stripes doesn’t just represent the land of the free, but it represents everything that has ever happened here. It represents the good. It also represents the bad. It represents the brave colonists who came here not knowing what terrors this country might bring. Those brave colonists didn’t care, they built their land, they fought against the people who tried to take all away from them. They had one thought in mind when they fought against the ruthless British army. They were thinking of Freedom. They were thinking of a country that is free. They didn’t know how it would turn out, but they had one sight and they saw it through. In conclusion, the flag means what we have been through, the freedom, and the tremendous loss.

Jersey Borsheim – West Bend, Wisconsin – 6th Grade – 2nd Place

Did you know that there have been 27 different variations of the American flag? The red in the flag represents valor, the white represents innocence, and the blue represents perseverance. Flag Day is a day that honors the American Flag. Here is what that flag means to me. The American Flag means a lot to me. First, it represents freedom. The flag represent the war that American soldiers sacrificed and risked their lives to win, just to give us freedom. Second, when I look at the American Flag, it shows how hard people fought to be who they want, and what they want. In the Pledge of Allegiance, it does say, “With liberty and justice for all.” Another thing I see when I look at the flag is honor. When I look at the flag, I see brave people who made this country what it is. Lastly, I see people living happily together. The Pledge of Allegiance does mention that our amazing country is indivisible. Historical figures fought to make our country that way. The people who fought in the military have served and risked their lives to bring us this world, and meant for everyone to live happily. All in all, the American flag means very much to me. The American Flag that Betsy Ross made on July 14, 1777, is not just a piece of cloth, it is something that represents freedom, honor, and indivisibility. That is what the American Flag means to me.

2021 WINNERS

1st Place: High School

Hannah Lango

I have noticed that lately some people don’t respect the American flag; they say the pledge of allegiance or sing the national anthem without standing and putting their hand over their heart. This bothers me because our flag deserves reverence and respect.  It is a tangible symbol of how our nation was founded, what it is today, and what it will be tomorrow.

To me, the history of America is written on those white stars and crimson stripes.  When I see our flag, I can almost see our founding fathers in a heated discussion over the unjust taxes England is levying on them.  I see Patrick Henry slam his clenched first down on a table as he makes a passionate and eloquent plea for liberty. I see Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott leaping onto their horses and riding like wildfire to warn their fellow Americans of the approaching British navy. I see Thomas Jefferson presenting the Declaration of Independence to the Continental Congress and John Hancock leaning over the document, quill in hand, as he boldly signs it in his flamboyant penmanship. I see the hush that falls over the colonies as they realize they just picked a fight with the strongest nation on earth. I see the battles that ensued, fought by brave patriots and led by the great General Washington.  And I see the final battle at Yorktown, where Washington trapped the British against the Chesapeake Bay and decisively ended the war, securing independence for the fledgling United States of America.  

It was almost unbelievable. There was no way on earth our untrained militia could have beaten mighty England, but we did.  And the courage, spirit, and sense of justice that drove those early patriots to fight for a better tomorrow is woven into the very fabric of our American flag-red for bravery. White for purity. Blue for justice. 

The flag is the history of America.

Our flag also represents America as it is today-the greatest nation ever in the history of mankind. The country where freedom rings. The country known for upholding justice, defending the oppressed, and fighting tyranny. The land that is respected by the world because of her prosperity and strength. The place where everyone, no matter what your religion or color, has equal opportunity to live the American dream.

The country I am proud to call “home.”

The future of the United States is also symbolized by the flag. You see, the story of America is still being written today-by us. It’s up to us to carry the torch of excellence passed down from the Americans before us. 

During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key penned the famous words, “O say, does that star spangled banner yet wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” Despite having been written several hundred years ago, that same question is still relevant today. Obviously, the flag is indeed waving over our nation, but is it flying over a free and brave nation? Twenty years from now, will our flag still symbolize the greatest nation on earth? We must do all we can to ensure that it does. Each and every American has the responsibility to maintain our country’s reputation so that our flag will remain the emblem of power and greatness that it has been every since 1776.

So, in short, our flag represents the past, present, and future of the United States of America. I respect it and love it because it is the symbol of the country I respect and love. It is an honor to live under the American flag, and I hope that someday, at least in part, I can repay my wonderful country for the freedoms and opportunities I have because of it.

2nd place: High School

Jada Straight-Rochwite

What does the American flag mean to me? What does the American flag mean to everyone in the United States? The American Flag has represented freedom, courage, valor, perseverance, justice, innocence, purity and bravery since 1777, but to many of us, it represents much more. 

The American Flag represents my Grandpa who fought in Vietnam; in the Navy, my cousins who enlisted in the Army, and my uncles and aunts who are army veterans.  It represents the time that they spent away from home, the injuries that they sustained, and the children who never got to see their parents again. It represents the letters that I sent to my brother as he was overseas in the Army and the time I spent away from him.  It represents the tears that I shed as he came walking up the stairs of my house to embrace me in a tight hug that lasted for minutes, the day he came back home.

The American Flag also represents law enforcement, first responders, fire serves, ems, and all of the other professions that keep us safe.  The similarity between all of the professions I listed are that they all represent, courage, valor, perseverance, justice, innocence, purity and bravery; the same as the American flag represents.

To me the American flag is a symbol of Pride. When the first steps on the moon were taken, there was an American flag placed next to the footprints, representing the pride that we have for our Country. Olympians will wrap the flag around them as they receive the Gold medal because they have pride for the country they are competing for. All emergency response stations have an American flag flying high outside their station because they are proud to be serving their community in the great United States.

When a hero falls, such as a police officer or a firefighter, the American flag is flown at half-staff to honor the fallen heroes that lost their lives serving our communities in our great Country. As a daughter of a firefighter and as a firefighter myself, I pray that the need of the American flag flown at half-staff isn’t ever needed again, but then again, I don’t think there is a greater honor than to have the American Flag be flown in honor of us if tragedy were to strike. 

The American flag reminds me of the history that I wasn’t there for,  but have learned about throughout the years. It reminds me of the 22 Veterans every day that commit suicide because of what they have been through before, during and after they served our great Country. I’m reminded of the hardships that people have gone through in our Country. It reminds me of the kindness we should have for each other, as we may have differences, but we are all still Americans.

In conclusion, the American flag means a lot more to me than the red, white, and blue and the 50 stars. When I look at the American flag, I feel bravery, courage, happiness that I have that freedom because of our amazing heroes, pain because of the heroes we lost, and most of all; pride.

Through wars and in times of peace, the sight of the American flag has given assurances that democracy lives. No other symbol captures the power and glory of our nation like the American flag. 

1st Place: Grades 6-8

Chase White

When you look at the American flag, what do you think of? Maybe you think of the people who fought for it, or the people in the country today.  The American flag can make you feel many different ways, and that’s something I love about it. Some people don’t think about what it means, but there are many things that it represents. 

First, the American flag means that people had to sacrifice their lives to save other people.  The people who died deserve to be honored, and they are honored every day by Americans.  Next, it means that the people who live in the United States are all united as one nation that together can do anything.  Americans pledge their allegiance which means they are going to respect the flag and the other people that live under it.  Lastly, the people who survived those wars must think about the people who were serving with them all the time.  I believe that when those veterans look at the flag they know that veterans who died were honored to serve with them.  The American flag is the thing that unites us, shows our respect for veterans, and shows our allegiance to the United States, which is why it is very important. 

The thoughts that you have when you look at the American flag are not right or wrong; it is just how you interpret it.  The American flag can represent different things for different people, and that’s what makes it special. 

2nd Place: Grades 6-8

Leanna Weinhold

The American flag is a symbol of accomplishment, bravery, freedom, and equality. Our flag means this and more, not being a mere piece of cloth.  These thirteen stripes portray the first colonies; the stars represent our nation’s fifty states.  The vibrant colors of these pieces have even more meaning. Red symbolizes strength and valor. White symbolizes purity, innocence, peace, and beauty. Blue symbolizes perseverance, justice, prosperity, and freedom.  This flag symbolizes our country.

Imagine it’s July 20, 1969 and you are sitting in your living room watching Neil Armstrong taking his first step on the moon. You are witnessing with your own eyes the first man to ever walk on the moon.  This moment will never be forgotten, filled with awe and wonder.  The American flag was flown into space and placed on the moon’s surface.  Our flag made it to the moon, and we accomplished the unimaginable. 

The American flag inspired our valiant soldiers to fight for our freedom, liberty, and democracy. We Americans have a duty to honor the lives sacrificed. We should appreciate and show gratitude to the people that dedicated themselves to our country.

I am blessed to be born an American and feel so much pride for my nation. I am truly privileged to have so many opportunities in his country that God has blessed.

“When we honor our flag we honor what we stand for as a nation: freedom, equality, justice, and hope.” Ronald Reagan said it well.  Let us show the honor due. 

1st Place: Grades 4-5

Will Benedict

The American Flag is more than just cloth, it’s freedom, opportunity, and freedom of the press.  I’m thankful for all the soldiers that died.  They will be remembered forever and loved because God has a special place for them. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines gave their lives for America’s freedom.

We all have equal opportunity whether we are white, black, rich, or poor. People from all over the world want to come to America to experience the freedom and love it provides.  In other places, people don’t experience the same freedom we do.  When I see the flag, it represented being able to follow my own chosen path.

It’s an honor and a privilege to be a citizen of this country. Living in America isn’t like living in any other country. Every day, good people give their best to make our country better.  My pride in our country makes me want to continue that legacy. I love our flag and always will. It is a physical reminder of what opportunity we have, our religious freedom, and a representation of the battles my family won defending her.

2nd Place: Grades 4-5

Adrian Qerimi

What the American flag means to me is… that our country fought for us many times.  The army gave us freedom, protection, and a great place to live.  When I see the flag it reminds me of doing the Pledge of Allegiance at school.  It also reminds me of when we unite just like the United States.  During the Fourth of July my family and I go to the neighbors and watch the fireworks. When I watch the fireworks I think of bursting bombs just like the ones in war.  My great-grandpa was in the Korean War and he told many stories about it.  The American flag relates to that because he helped the army build huge bridges! I have many ideas about the flag. Hopefully, you have amazing reasons about the flag too. In my opinion the American flag is special in it’s own way. 

2020 ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS

The National Flag Day Foundation wishes to thank each of the nearly 250 students who submitted essays for the2020 contest. The response was greater than ever, with entries received from all over the United States. All of the essays were well done, making selection of only two per category difficult. The students expressed very thought-provoking reflections on the personal significance of the American Flag. All contestants are to be applauded for their outstanding effort. Special thanks to all of the contestants and our panel of judges.

First Place - Grades 3-5

Kira Cunningham Milwaukee, WI

First Place - Grades 6-8

Eva Duran Port Washington, WI

First Place - Grades 9-12

Jena Lakhani Richmond, TX

Second Place - Grades 3-5

Ethan Krueger Grafton, WI

Second Place - Grades 6-8

Delsie Duvall Sparks, NV

Home — Essay Samples — History — History of the United States — American Flag

Essays on American Flag

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National Symbols and Their Significance in America

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Why I Honor The American Flag: a Symbol of Our Values

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Political Connotations and The American Flag

The american flag: a symbol with evolving significance, anthems and ideals: the confluence of sound and patriotism.

July 4, 1960 (current version)

The United States flag was first recognized by Congress on June 14th, 1777. Since the United States' independence, the national flag has been revised 27 times. The modern day flag was first introduced in 1960 when Hawaii was added as an official state.

The American flag is the national flag of the United States. There are 50 stars representing the 50 states of the United States of America, and there are 13 equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white, representing the 13 original thirteen British colonies, that became the first states in the U.S. The blue piece of the flag represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The red stripes symbolize valor and the white stripes means purity and innocence.

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• Civil Rights Movement
• Great Depression
• Boston Massacre
• Lewis and Clark Expedition
• Atlantic Slave Trade
• African American History
• French and Indian War
• Prohibition Era
• American Revolution

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Nigg Meaning the African American Culture

This essay about the term “nigg” explores its complex role within African American culture, examining its origins as a racial slur and its reclamation by the Black community. The text highlights how the term has transformed into a symbol of solidarity and identity among African Americans, despite ongoing controversy about its usage both within and outside the community. The discussion reflects broader themes of language, power, and racial identity.

How it works

The term “nigg,” often heard within the context of African American Vernacular English (AAVE), carries a complex spectrum of meanings, nuances, and historical weight. It is a linguistic expression that encapsulates both the painful legacy of racial oppression and a reclaimed sense of camaraderie and resilience among African Americans. This exploration delves into the multifaceted role that the term plays in African American culture, highlighting its historical origins, evolution, and the contemporary debate surrounding its usage.

The term “nigg” is a derivative of “nigger,” a racial slur historically used to dehumanize African Americans.

Originating during the transatlantic slave trade, this term was employed by slave owners to assert their dominance, stripping Africans of their identity and humanity. The word was pervasive in the lexicon of white Americans throughout the centuries of slavery and segregation, embedded within the systemic racism that characterized the United States.

However, the reclamation of the term by African Americans has been a notable phenomenon. Reclamation is a process where a group takes back words or symbols that were used to oppress them and uses them in a way that defies the original oppressive intent. For African Americans, transforming “nigger” to “nigga” or “nigg” has been part of this reclamation. It is used endearingly or casually among many in the Black community, representing a transformation from a word of hate to one of solidarity and affection.

This linguistic shift is deeply embedded in the dynamics of power and identity. When African Americans use the term among themselves, it can function as a cultural connector that reinforces group identity and cohesiveness. It often conveys a shared understanding of survival against systemic challenges. The usage of “nigg” can denote a sense of ‘insider’ status within the community, functioning as a boundary marker that distinguishes those who can use the word from those who cannot.

The adaptation and usage of “nigg” in popular culture, especially in hip-hop and rap music, have further influenced its perceptions. Artists in these genres frequently use the term in their lyrics, reflecting and shaping the experiences of African American life. Through music, the term reaches global audiences, many of whom may misunderstand or misappropriate its nuanced meanings. This widespread exposure sometimes leads to controversy, especially when non-Black individuals attempt to use the term, not understanding its historical baggage and the cultural specificity of its reclamation.

Despite its reclamation, the use of “nigg” remains controversial even within the African American community. Some argue that no matter how it is used, the term continues to carry the hate and prejudice of its origins. Critics believe that its use perpetuates the negative stereotypes associated with the word and can undermine the dignity of the African American community. For these individuals, the term is inextricably linked to violence and oppression, and its continued use is seen as a hindrance to racial progress.

Conversely, others view the reclamation of “nigg” as a powerful act of linguistic and cultural redefinition. They argue that by altering the context and meaning of the term, African Americans can neutralize its derogatory power and transform it into a symbol of resilience and autonomy. This perspective sees language as a dynamic and powerful tool for cultural expression and change.

The debate over “nigg” is reflective of broader discussions about language, power, identity, and the legacies of racism. It underscores the complexities of navigating cultural heritage within a racially stratified society. Whether one views its reclamation as a positive or negative force, the discussion itself highlights the active role African Americans play in shaping their identities and cultural expressions in response to historical and ongoing social challenges.

In conclusion, the term “nigg” serves as a profound example of how language evolves in response to changing social, cultural, and political landscapes. It embodies the pain of a racist past, the nuances of contemporary identity politics, and the enduring human capacity to redefine the symbols of oppression into expressions of solidarity and strength. The ongoing discourse surrounding the term will likely continue as society grapples with the themes of race, history, and identity formation.

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). Nigg Meaning The African American Culture . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/nigg-meaning-the-african-american-culture/ [Accessed: 24 Apr. 2024]

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). Nigg Meaning The African American Culture . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/nigg-meaning-the-african-american-culture/ [Accessed: 24-Apr-2024]

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