“What the

Flag Means to Me”

ESSAY CONTEST
TOP 20
A Supplement to

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

 C2 JULY 3, 2019 FLAG ESSAYS
• TOP 3 ESSAYS COLLEGE & ADULT •
To me, the American flag represents a variety of sentimental mean-
ings. Firstly, the flag deserves utter respect from the Americans
because the veterans have fought and laid their
lives down for their country, for their flag, and
for the security of their people. The flag de-
serves the gratitude of the Americans because
once, all that kept the veterans from bleeding
out during a war was the flag. With this, the
flag has more than one purpose. For instance,
the flag even marks the progress of our suc-
cessful astronauts who were first to land on the
moon. The flag remains standing on the moon as
a reminder of our nation’s progress and achieve-
ment. The American flag is often thought of as
a flag that only represents the United States of
America, but it is much more complex. The flag
represents the number of colonies in the begin-
ning and the amount of states now. The flag’s colors even have their
personal meanings that represent the country as a whole. But alto-
gether, the flag is an exceptional representation of the hard-working
veterans and employees of the country, the progress our country has
acquired, and the country’s obstinate, inalienable ability to never
accept failure.
Megan C. Gluck
MAKE TIME FOR A
MAMMOGRAM
Schedule yours today by
calling 812-885-3353 or
make an online appointment
from your MyChart account.
GSHVIN.ORG/MAMMO
WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD
Opportunity, courage, resilience, hope, security, home; it is difficult to
believe that a piece of fabric can make one person feel all these things.
However, the American flag is not a mere piece
of fabric. It is a symbol, a namesake, a call-
ing to all the great people who have lived and
continue to live within these great lands. Look
past the material and you will see a history of
courageous and resilient people. From advance-
ments in science and technology to the wars
fought against foreign enemies and the societal
hardships we have faced in our own streets; the
American people always find a way to perse-
vere. It is not always beautiful or neat or poetic,
nevertheless, given enough time the People
overcome the obstacles laid before them.
When I see the wondrous colors of our nation
flying high, I am reminded that it was forged
with many great sacrifices. A vast number of lives labored away, often
suffering injustices, and some giving their last breathes to ensure a
better place. At times it seems like a horrible nightmare to ponder on
such things. Though a sense of pride is evoked in knowing that those
people succeeded and did not suffer in vain. Risen from their hope
and dedication is an opportunity of an amazing life that, sadly, most in
the world will never have the graces to experience. I am grateful to be
one of the fortunate to call this flag my own. Wherever our banner yet
waves, there will always be a secure home for its people.
Adam Chestnut
The American flag represents pride, sacri-
fice and freedom. The definition of pride is a
deep pleasure or satisfaction. This is the exact
feeling I experience when I gaze upon the
flag during the Pledge of Allegiance and the
national anthem.
The flag represents America, which is the land
of freedom and opportunity, and if you would
ask me, that is something to take immense
pride in. The American flag represents sacri-
fice.
Our parents, grandparents, great grandparents,
and so on have sacrificed time, hard work and
finances in order for us to be afforded the op-
portunities we are in this generation. Not only
have our families sacrificed to created better
lives for our generation, but so have the indi-
viduals who are serving in the Armed Forces. It’s quite magnificent that
there are individuals who serve and protect their country and people that
they don’t even know.
I think that that is one of the greatest forms of sacrifice. This sacrifice
that these individuals make is the reason that we are afforded with the
freedom that we have in the U.S. The freedom that we have compared to
several countries is insurmountable.
I am so lucky to live in the USA.
Elizabeth Perkins
 WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD FLAG ESSAYS JULY 3, 2019 C3

• TOP 3 ESSAYS K-12 •

Swaying in the wind, I see the symbol of a The Flag represents the 50 states and
powerful democracy. I feel as if the American the 13 original colonies. We got that flag
flag is an emblem that represents the freedoms when we became a country not ruled by
we have in this great country. I think of the flag british. But what does the flag mean? I
as a beautiful representation of the nation’s personally think it means freedom.
principles. When we won the war we were free. We
Looking at the American flag, I think of how had George Washington as “king” but he
this flag has remained flying high through every wanted everyone to have a opinion so he
type of conflict this country has ever faced. was the 1st president. He had Betsy Ross
Whether it be war, depressions, or natural di- make our Flag to represent the 13 states
sasters, this glorious American flag is still here and 13 colonies. (Now there are fifty
soaring through the tough times. states) We have the flag, the Pledge
The American flag also represents to me the of Allegiance, everything because we are
humble and courageous spirits of the service- FREE!
men and servicewomen in all branches of the I have a family, home, food all because
military. This American flag is the intrepid sign of our freedom. I have people who love
of togetherness and patriotism. me and would do anything for me be-
This American flag brings us together in times cause of our freedom. I can worship
of trouble in our nation. It also symbolizes how god because of our freedom. Betsy Ross
we are all Americans no matter what we believe made our flag because she had the free-
in or where we have come from. dom to do it. I am lucky to live in a free
Lastly, this flag reminds me of the history of country.
America, and how our forefathers fought for Never take our flag for granted. You need
independence, and how we have continued to to always remember that our flag is there
fight to keep our nation free. Knowing the his- because we have freedom. Know that
tory and importance of the flag humbles me as people died for our flag and freedom.
an American Citizen. Know that we have a right to FREE-
DOM!
Hannah Bennington
Brooklyn Donaldson

The flag represents the veterans and America. We earn the flag
by winning the war. The flag means a lot to me I know a lot
about it because my uncle was in the Army. And he knows a lot
about it and he told me a lot. So I know that George Washington
because he was the leader of the war that we won the flag in. I
think of the as a symbol of America. Our flag stands for a free
country.
The colors of the pales the vertical stripes are those used in the
flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and
innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and blue the color of the
Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance,
perseverance & justice.” You have the right to have a happy live
and be free. I am happy and proud of my flag and family.

Kaden Bouchie
 C4 JULY 3, 2019 FLAG ESSAYS
• REMAINING TOP 14 ESSAYS •
The American flag is not just a piece of fabric that we use on certain holi-
days as a decoration.
When I see our flag, I not only recognize that it
serves
as a powerful reminder of the freedom, liberty,
military strength, and economic impact that we
enjoy as a nation, but I also remember the in-
credible cost that has been paid by so many in
order that we can live in the greatest nation ever
established. As a nurse, I have had the privilege
of caring for many veterans over my career,
including my own father, who served in World
War II.
I have heard their stories and have been deeply
moved by the sacrifices they were willing to
make. Every time I see the American flag, I am
grateful for the blessings that we have and for
those who paid the tremendous price for those blessings.
As long as I am physically able, I will always stand for our National An-
them, with my hand over my heart, facing the American flag, with a prayer
on my lips that our nation will continue to be blessed and remain the
greatest nation on Earth.
Lynda Plummer
In today’s society, the United States flag is one of the most under-
appreciated symbols of our country. The focus of a portion of our
population has drifted to focus on the materialistic luxuries that en-
hances to ease of daily life and leaves out much feeling for the sym-
bols that are linked to the foundation of our
country. In my position as a teacher, I would
like to witness a return to the basic principles
that our forefathers established when creating
our country.
Mahatma Gandhi was quoted as saying, “Be
the change you want to see in the world.”
Using this as a guide, the flag should be
shown the utmost respect by people pausing
to say the Pledge of Allegiance, listen to/sing
our National Anthem, or just pause a moment
from the hectic moments of daily life and
honestly appreciate all that this icon repre-
sents and should mean to every citizen of our
country.
Would our world not be a better place if people would disconnect
from technology to spend time to connect with human beings? A
simple thank you can go a long way to improving someone’s day.
Our culture needs to return to some old-fashioned values and beliefs.
Kami Giesler
WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD
In 1960, I began first grade at St. Mary’s in Washington, Indiana. Each
morning we would pledge allegiance to our flag. At St. Mary’s there
was a small flag above the blackboard in
every classroom.
As the years passed and I went on to high
school, we were in the Vietnam conflict, and
some people’s political moods shifted. On the
TV news, people were burning, tearing apart,
and even stomping on our glorious flag, and
that was terrible to watch. I could not com-
prehend why some individuals, even Ameri-
cans, would do such a thing to our symbol of
freedom, unity and patriotism.
I went on to begin my career in law enforce-
ment, which lasted for 38 years. Always on
my uniform was an American flag, either as a
patch or pin. I was proud to ear it always.
After my retirement from the police department, I still fly our flag
every day. We had an idea for a large flag to welcome people into our
city from the east, and a committee was formed. After several months
of planning, fundraising, and obtaining volunteer assistance, that dream
became a reality.
One year and six months ago, we raised our first flag on Veterans Day,
for all veterans, past, present and future. I was so proud to see the large
flag ascend to the top of the 70-foot pole at the round-about. Now ev-
eryone entering our city from the east can see how proud and patriotic
Washington and its citizens are.
That’s what the flag means to me.
Steve Riney
The American flag is more than a representa-
tion or a symbol to me. It is destiny of many
opportunities to come . The red, white, and
blue stand for valor, innocence, and vigi-
lance.
Those are the characteristics of men and
women that look up to the American flag
and its grounds. More than representing
freedom and individual rights, it is the privi-
lege of enjoying those privileges.
Many men and women fight, have died,
and continue to give their life in order
to raise the American flag higher. Now,
children set their eyes hoping to one day
dedicate their life by becoming a valuable
American citizen. How?
By crossing deserts and awaiting their 18th
birthday to raise their right hand before our
flag.
This astonishing flag will always be the
reminder of our blessings.
Carolina Mora
 WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD FLAG ESSAYS
The flag is a symbol of freedom for our nation. It represents our
soldiers who fought and died for us to live freely in this country.
Their pain and suffering, and their loss. There
are so many different meanings that the flag
stands to represent. It is hard to explain in just
200 words the significance of our flag. Our
flag has served many different purposes over
the years, but most the important is a symbol
of hope. When our soldiers fought for our
freedom, they held onto that hope that our flag
gave them to keep fighting. The hope that they
were making our country better by fighting for
our flag. For me, the flag is a symbol of our na-
tion’s fight for freedom.
Madison Orchard
Your question for me is “What does the flag
mean to me”?
To me the flag represents loyalty, courage,
and most of all sacrifice. When I look at
the American flag, I see my uncle dying for
our country; I see everyone in the wars like
WW1, WW2, and the Revolutionary War
fighting for our freedom. In the mornings
when I do the Pledge of Allegiance, I see
the soldiers that sacrificed their lives for our
freedom. I look at the flag; I see that people
suffered so that we could have the luxuries
we have today.
When the Germans broke the treaty of
Versailles and used deadly gasses in the
world wars, or when the Japanese bombed
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for that I will forever
be grateful that they persevered through the
struggles and the pain. This is a part my
favorite quote that represents Flag Day, it is,
“Our flag honors those who have fought to
protect it, and is a reminder of the sacrifice
of our nation’s founders and heroes.” ~ Joe
Barton
For those heroes that sacrificed their lives
I will always be grateful for your actions.
Ilana L. Neukam
JULY 3, 2019 C5
What the flag means to me is freedom. It is
prosperity. It is change. Though a flag is only
a piece of fabric, the meaning behind it tells
more than any symbol ever could. The
United States flag represents the men and
women who risked their lives for our coun-
try; some who never returned. It represents
the progress the U.S. has made from those
original colonies into one of the most
powerful countries in the world. Our flag
represents history, the good and the bad, that
shaped the place we call home. A country
meant for new opportunities for all people.
One with people who do not conform to
anyone else, who can be themselves. A
country full of people willing to stand up for
what they believe in and fight for the rights
of those around them. The United States
is no longer just the large land mass it was
hundreds of years ago. It is now a country
that has prospered through the most difficult
times in history and came out thriving. It is
now a place represented by a beautiful piece
of fabric with stars and stripes that will
continue our story throughout hundreds of
years.
Macy Brandenburg
The flag means many
different things to me, but most importantly it
means a promise. This promise is of freedom
and equal treatment of all humans, no matter
gender, race, or sexuality. The flags signifies
that we are united together as one, and we
all stand together, for one another, with one
another through any battle may it be big or
small. This is shown through all fifty stars on
the flag. The stars are all together, with one
another, much like how all of the fifty states
are all together and stand by one another
when we are in need. The flag also
symbolizes freedom and also symbolizes the
lives that were lost fighting for that freedom,
as well as fighting for the promise. The 13
stripes that can be seen on the flag also stand
for the root of our country, which goes to
show that without a strong and secure founda-
tion nothing can last.
Jackson Ellerman
 C6 JULY 3, 2019 FLAG ESSAYS
The American flag to me doesn’t just mean red, white, and blue it means
freedom. Freedom to be whatever or whoever we want to be. It reminds
me of a beautiful place that I can settle down and put all my worries to
the side. I don’t love the flag because of its beautiful pattern or beautiful
colors. I love it because it makes me feel wel-
come, meaning it doesn’t discriminate against
race, religion, or gender.
It makes me feel comforted knowing I can be
who I want to be without judgment. It reminds
me of all the people fighting to save our country
and to protect our country from whatever tries
to harm it. We have fought long, and we have
fought hard for our flag. Whenever I see our
flag, it reminds me of all that we went through
to save it. Although we may celebrate the flag,
it does come with some horrific sad endings to
many soldiers’ lives.
The flag is filled with memories of our loved
ones who died fighting for us. It’s filled with
memories of the men and women who survived and came home to their
family’s after years of fighting. The flag makes me think of the songs
we sing when we pledge to our flag. The flag reminds me of family,
citizenship, and the sacrifices of the many brave soldiers who fought
to make us “land of the free home of the brave.” To me the flag means
home.
Cassy Churchwell
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United
States of America. The symbol of my home
that means so much more than red, white,
and blue. When my eyes fall upon those
stars and stripes, my heart sets afire, while
my mind is ice. The flag is sacrifice. Honor.
Freedom.
To me those stripes, red as blood, embody
the fallen. Those who shed their own blood
for the people of this great country. Lives
taken and wars fought, the men and women
of this country have paid the ultimate price
for our freedom. Those that survived the
hardship suffered on another level. PTSD
and other mental trauma haunts our veter-
ans for life. By saluting the flag, I feel I can
connect with losses that were sacrificed for
this country.
The American flag waves over schools,
businesses, and many other monuments
around the country. The air blowing the
flag into its full glory lets us all honor our
America. This is our nation. We have free-
dom and that is a glorious privilege. One
nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty
and justice for all.
Jaydon Jones
WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD
Our flag is a beautiful flag. A beautiful flag
with a not so beautiful past. War and blood-
shed happened to make our flag stands tall
today. Though what the flag represents is
beautiful. The flag of the United States of
America represents freedom.
The freedom of this country is something tru-
ly important to me because without it I’d feel
lost. Freedom is what makes me feel whole.
Freedom is what makes me feel like every-
thing that happened for the flag is so mean-
ingful. The Revolutionary War, also known as
the war where we won our freedom, hap-
pened to make America the land of the free. It
happened to make America our home, and the
flag stands for that everyday.
It is so important to me because all of the
scars our soldiers got during those years of
war won’t fade away. It can’t go to waste. All
of the fighting that still goes on today can’t
go to waste either. We have people will-
ing fighting, dying, for our country. For our
freedom. It is amazing to know that we can
feel safe and protected in this country with
passionate soldiers fighting for it every single
day.
Ivy Cook
The flag represents our country what we
love and what other people love. The flag
goes for everything we did for the 230
years in the past. And the people have to
look forward to the future. The military
and the people they fight for are what the
flag stands for. The flag stands for freedom
the right to have freedom of speech. And
the men and women who died trying to get
us our freedom. The person who always
stands up for what is right that is what
freedom is to me. Freedom is what the flag
stands for to me. I believe the pursuit of
happiness is one of our freedoms. To have
happiness if you choose to have happiness
or not. But you need to do what is right
not what is wrong. Well if you choose to
want your freedom or not. That is what I
think about the flag.
Brooklyn G. Whitehead
WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD FLAG ESSAYS JULY 3, 2019 C7

To me, the American flag means freedom and brave sol-

The flag means to me freedom and safety. diers who fight for our country.

Kiera Graber Gabe Smith

Enjoy a safe and happy Independence Day

Independence Day is a celebration of the United States of
America. The holiday is marked by fanfare and large parties,
complete with barbecues, fireworks and parades.
As fun as July 4th festivities typically are, injuries, particu-
larly those involving fireworks, are a concern that celebrants
should not take lightly. An estimated 11,000 people visited the
emergency room for fireworks-related injuries in 2018, accord-
ing to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Howev-
er, fireworks aren’t the only danger this time of year. In order
to remain safe, individuals can heed these tips:
HOLIDAY TIPS
• Do not drink and drive. Alcohol consumption may accompany
Independence Day festivities. For those planning on using a car to
get to and from parties, it is essential to designate a driver who will
not imbibe. Otherwise, utilize any number of ridesharing services or
available taxis.
• Swim smartly. Always swim with a buddy, and consider hiring a
lifeguard if youÕll be hosting a pool party and cannot keep a
watchful eye on guests in the pool. Adults also should not swim
intoxicated, as it can impede the ability to stay afloat and may lead
to risky behaviors.
• Leave fireworks to the professionals. Watch a public fireworks
display instead of lighting fireworks on the street or in the back-
yard.
• Exercise caution with sparklers. Kids running around with
sparklers in hand could be a recipe for disaster, as sparklers burn
extremely hot. Make sure children do not wave them around or
others can get burned. Keep a bucket of water handy to properly
extinguish the sparklers.
• Review safe boating practices. If July 4th festivities find you
out on the water, be sure that life jackets are worn and set boating
and water safety rules for the family.
• Check in with a vet. The Fourth of July can be traumatic for
pets not accustomed to fireworks and other loud noises or crowds.
Behavior therapy, medication and ensuring that pets do not run
away from home and get lost may be necessary.
• Watch food temperatures. Do not leave food out in the hot sun
for too long; otherwise, harmful bacteria can grow and potentially
cause foodborne illnesses. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection
Service says to never leave food out of refrigeration for more than
two hours. If the temperature is above 90 F, food should not be left
out for more than one hour.
 C8 JULY 3, 2019 FLAG ESSAYS WASHINGTON TIMES HERALD

Why is Independence Day celebrated on July 4th?

T Rules for displaying your flag
he Continental Congress declared its independence from Great Britain on
July 2, 1776. If that date raises an eyebrow, it should. Independence Day in
the United States has long been celebrated on July 4th, which would seem
to be two days late.
But upon closer examination, it seems Americans are not really celebrating their
independence two days later than they should be. According to the National Constitu-
tion Center, the Continental Congress approved a resolution declaring its indepen-
dence from Great Britain on July 2. However, a document still needed to be drafted to
explain the decision to the general public. Such a document was already in the works,
but it took two days for the men of Congress to agree on a final version.
The resulting document, known as the Declaration of Independence, was sent to
John Dunlap, an Irish printer who served under George Washington during the Amer-
ican Revolutionary War, who subsequently printed roughly 200 broadsides. Still, the
Declaration of Independence was not read to the public until July 8, 1776, when Colo-
nel John Nixon did so in Philadelphia on what is now known as Independence
Square.
It was nearly a month later, on Aug. 2, 1776, when most members of the Continen-
tal Congress actually signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.
Americans can honor the flag by displaying it on the Fourth of July Holiday
Day.
Here's how to display the flag properly, courtesy of Military.com:
· The flag should be free of any obstructions, such as power lines or tree
limbs.
· If displayed with other flags, Old Glory should be at the top-most point or
in the center of a horizontal array of flags.
· If the flag is displayed on its side, the blue field should be to the left.
· The flag should be raised in the morning at a residence or business and
taken down at night. The only exception to the flag being out at night is if
it's illuminated.
· Flags can be repaired. However, if a flag is tattered, it can be removed and
brought to a local VFW hall to be properly disposed.

&

812-254-0480
Send us your 4th of July photos!
TEXT
SERVICE
SPONSORED
BY...