What The American Flag Means To The Kids Of Stonington

celebrated a bit early this year, but during the Flag Day ceremony students talked about what the American Flag means to them. Here are a few of their writings.

“The Flag means a lot to me, and my Dad. My Dad is in the Navy. He is strong, like the flag.”—Annalea, Kindergarten

“The American flag means a lot to me. I like freedom. Freedom means we can do a lot of things without being forced to. I look at the flag and think of freedom.” —Dana, Kindergarten

“I think the flag means freedom for one and for all. I think the flag is special because it represents the country I live in. I think the flag is special, like the president of our country. Our flag has fifty stars and 13 stripes. Every state has its own special flag, and each flag represents freedom and our great country.” —Mary Grade 1

“Our flag means freedom and love for our country. I see the flag every day at school. The flag makes me feel happy. I like to see the flag at the parades and sports games. We fly a flag at my house. The flag is 235 years old. I love the American flag!”—Jacob, Grade 1

“I think our flag is special and our country thinks that, too.

When I see the American flag, my heart beats faster because it likes the flag. Freedom, justice and liberty are what make our flag special. We should respect our flag. We should all love the American flag.” —Corinne Grade 2

“Our flag is the symbol of our country. The red stands for bravery, white stands for purity and goodness, and the blue stands for justice. Back then, our country was ruled by a British King. It was not fair. That led to the Revolutionary War. One stormy night, George Washington crossed the Delaware River to attack the British. In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. It said all men are created equal. Our first American flag had 13 stars. Now our flag has fifty stars. The stars stand for the number of states. Thanks to George Washington and lots of other brave Americans, America is a better place.” —John, Grade 2

“When I gaze upon the American flag, I notice its beauty. I recognize the colors of encouragement that ripple in the wind. The feeling of the glowing stars and striped blaze into your heart, as you realize you’re in America—the country of freedom. The greatest country of all! As the special symbol towers above me, I realize we are fortunate for our lives. And most of all, deep within the heart of the flag is the remark that nothing is impossible—and you’re always unstoppable!” —Taylor, Grade 3

“Our flag has many meanings to me. It reminds me of my grandfathers who fought bravely in wars to maintain our freedom. It symbolizes hope and comfort during tragedies like the terrorist attacks. During difficult times our flag unites Americans to stay strong and work together. I’ll always have hope as long as our flag is still flying.” —Alex, Grade 3

“The flag is freedom, It makes this country great, From the Revolutionary war, To the fighters in Iraq, The flag was there all that time, It never fell, It is a good luck charm, The flag is in our heart!”—Jack, Grade 4

“We fly the flag because it stands for our country, all our states, and the things our flag has done over the years. The red for hardiness and valor, white for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Our flag stood through many wars and is still flying. Betsy Ross stitched the first flag for our country. Francis Scott Key wrote the national anthem to tell how our flag was still flying throughout the war. Neil Armstrong planted a flag on the moon as a symbol of America. We put our hand over our hearts when we say the Pledge of Allegiance to show our devotion to the flag and country. The American flag honors all the people who served our country: soldiers who fought in wars, and regular citizens who live in our country. We all honor the flag and our country.” —Hanah, Grade 4