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Bolar Ruritan flag essay winners presented
Seeing the 50 stars
 | | The Bolar Ruritan Club annually sponsors a 6th grade Old Glory Essay Contest for the area students of Valley Elementary, Millboro Elementary and Highland Middle School . Each student is asked to tell us in their own written words what Old Glory, the United States flag means to me. The club asks that the students show what they know, how they think and feel and how well they talk about the flag. The essays are to be at least 175 and no more than 250 words. One winner is selected from each school and receives a $50 savings bond, a US Flag that has flown over the US Capital and a framed certificate. Pictured are Tammy Hicklin (Bolar Member), Sarah Church, Martha Reish (Millboro Elementary School Principle) and Carl Behrens (Bolar member). (Photo courtesy Bolar Ruritan Club) |
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When people look at the American flag they see 50 stars, red and white stripes, and a blue square. Each one of those things means something different to me. When I look at the American flag I see thousands of soldiers sacrificing their lives to keep me free.
The blue square and the 50 stars mean to me that there are 50 states where I can live and be an American. The stars also mean that I can enjoy the advances that are in America. For example, I get to live under a democracy.
 | | Pictured are Tammy Hicklin, Bolar Ruritan Club Member; Austin Burns; and Carl Behrens, Bolar Ruritan Club member. (Photo courtesy Bolar Ruritan Club) |
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The red stripes mean to me that a lot people have died to keep me free. The stripes stand for many families have to live without husbands, brothers, fathers and sons, because they chose to serve their countries. I am very thankful of all these people.
When I think about the white stripes I think about religion. In America people can believe in anything or anybody without being told not to. In America, a person doesn't have to have a religion. Americans are very lucky to have this freedom.
The American flag means something different to everyone. The flag can mean anything to you. I feel the American flag is a symbol of our privileges as Americans. I am blessed to be able to live in America, and the American flag reminds me of that.
 | | Pictured are Tammy Hicklin, Bolar Member; Presley Marshall; Marty Leech, Highland Middleschool Teacher; and Carl Behrens, Bolar member. (Photo courtesy Bolar Ruritan Club) |
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By Sarah Church, sixth grade
Millboro Elementary Standing for freedom
Old Glory is the symbol of our nation. It means a lot to me and tons of others. Here's what Old Glory means to me.
I think Old Glory stands for freedom. We are free to think what we want, believe what we want or in who we want, there are no slaves like in a lot of other places. We have the freedom of speech and the rights to our own opinions. These liberties that we all enjoy were and are earned by the men and women who fought and died for Old Glory.
I think that Old Glory also stands for pride. I am proud to be one nation under God. We have always fought and still fight to this very day for freedom and justice. We do this not only for ourselves but for others also.
I also think Old Glory stands for independence. It was boldly flying during the war of independence when its stars and stripes where first written about by Francis Scott Key. And to this day, it waves over every American promising them domestic tranquility and happiness.
By Austin Burns, sixth grade
Valley Elementary School Proud to be American
When I see Old Glory at the courthouse, I feel protected that people are willing to fight for our country. My great grandma was a nurse in WWII. My great granddad was a sergeant in WWII; he exited WWII with a purple heart. My cousin fought in the Iraq war. He's out now and is a state policeman, but he never talks about the things that were hard in the war.
I also feel sad. I remember all of the families who lost their loved ones. There were soldiers who fought for our country and lost their lives. It reminds me of firefighters raising the flag for 9/11 because lots of people lost their lives just because they are American.
When I see the flag I am also proud to be an American. I live where people can speak up for their rights. Martin Luther King Jr. wanted blacks to have civil rights. He made a speech that was called, "I have a dream." His dream came true, schools where no longer segregated and blacks could vote. This is what Old Glory means to me.
By Presley Marshall, sixth greade
Highland Middle School
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