Help me with a flag essay.

My daughter is applying for a scholarship with a group and the applicants are asked to submit an essay on what the flag means to them. I am looking for something from a different angle - something other than the other 100 essays that will say it reminds them of those who died for their freedom, etc. Don't need anything inflammatory - just inspiring or thoughtful. Any ideas appreciated.

The flag reminds me of every promise, every word, every hope that has not been said, thought, or conceived yet. Ultimately the flag represents America, but America represent the land in which any opportunity is possible. It's the first modern nation to elect an African American to the Presidency. The flag is a representation of all that can be acheieved with hope (and then you can go into the Revolution, Civil Rights movement, Women's suffrage, etc.)

I'll pass that along.

I wouldn't personally take that approach. "Other countries have elected black leaders, but the US is the only real country that counts." Please, no.

I was just trying to restate the point that it's kind of historic in America's own history, in comparison to the changing times, the milestone in worldly importance, and give a little more support the idea that America is possible for anything.

but....what kind of organization is the scholarship from?

That might also help decide what angle to take.

(But I don't care - I'll take their money.) I need to steer away from things like "How come it is usually redneck Republicans who have a big one on their car?" I really do hate the fact that they have claimed the flag as their own but she needs to downplay our leftishness.

i know you want to be different, but I've found that "playing to the crowd" does work.

you can do it in a way that would be what they want to hear, but also something that is genuine and sincere from you (those things don't have to be exclusive)

Like if it were me, (i'm using my own experience) I would say something like....(and you can put your own spin on it)
If it were me I would talk about how when I see the flag, I think of the sacrifice of my Grandfather during WWII, and how he respected the flag, and tie his family loyalty into his loyalty for his country and wax patriotic about his service and protecting his family by protecting his flag, etc etc.... I also had several other uncles in WWII -- so i could talk about all 3 somehow and tie it all in, or keep it simple with just talking about one of them.

I was also born on Flag day, so I could probably play with that one too...although I wouldn't want it to sound self-serving.


So you wouldn't want use my experience, there is maybe something within your family context you could use and make it genuine.

I was thinking about how the soldiers' coffins come wrapped in the flag, and at the funeral a family member gets the carefully folded flag. She could talk about what that means to her. Express her deep sadness and make a comment about wars.
Then there's the flag on the 4th of July.
Flags flown on Veterans day and other holidays outside of American homes
Flags used as backdrops for politicians when they're giving speeches.
The controversy of the flag lapel pin
The flag in the Oval Office

Every one of these examples are great opportunities for her to say how she feels about the situation these flags are in.

Native Americans fly the flag upside to represent broken promises

Why did the sight of Old Glory inspire Francis Scott Key to write the song that became our national anthem?

How the flag's design evolved through the years to reflect changes in our attitudes or preceptions...why stars instead of another design to represent states

What is the reson the flag is now backards on military uniforms (stars on right instead of left).

Probably not even made in the country it represents.

But for the weary traveler abroad, it is a symbol of hope.

Something like that...

... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Spangled_Banner (at least the first stanza!)

... include a bit about http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_petition_in_the_United_States">the right to petition, using as an example America's first protest, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Declaration_of_Independence#Text">The Declaration of Independence.

nt

and be put in jail, maybe even tortured, without trial, under incredibly harsh conditions. Help her escape, and make her way to an American embassy or consulate.

And then she can talk about her feelings as she neared the embassy, dodging bullets and police, focusing on that American flag as the symbol of hope and freedom.

But, that's just me, and come to think of it, my teachers often said I went way too far on my assignments...

Anything is possable, ANYTHING!!!! That I hope to dream and work for.( I don't really believe that but we should.) Your child should so believe that, tell her that and maybe it will be again! That's what we really all hope for

I'm reminded of his love for this country. He was a conservative Dem, but still believed everyone has the same rights as he...no matter what. When a friend of mine, who lived down the street, was dying of AIDS my conservative redneck Dad carried him to the car when they were going to the hospital. My Dad, who was a Vet, died believing that this country possessed the capacity of spreading compassion and hope.

That's what the flag means to me.