Colfax VFW Auxiliary

Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month,     call for more information

                                                               

​                                              Why I Honor the American Flag
 
     In 1775, during the Revolutionary War, American colonists had many different styles of flags. Two years later congress decided they needed one official flag to stand for a unified America. The flag they chose became a symbol for our country. Today, our flag has 13 stripes for the 13 original colonies, and 50 stars for America’s 50 states. I honor the flag because it shows our country is united and that we are free.
     The Pledge of Allegiance is an official pledge, or promise, that we are loyal to the United States. The flag is a symbol of the United States, and honoring it shows that we honor our country and the soldiers who died in war for us. Out of respect, I stand and face the flag when I say the pledge because I honor America.
The flag stands for our country. People show this symbol in jewelry, on clothing, and on stickers. The flag is displayed in many places as well, such as on buildings, and in schools. When the flag is displayed, it shows our pride in America and that we have hope and faith in our country.
     There are many historical events that revolve around the flag. In September 1814, people were glad and relieved to see the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry in the early morning; it meant that America had won the war. The American flag inspired Francis Scott King to write The Star Spangled Banner which became our national anthem. In 1945, six U.S. Marines used a pipe as a pole to raise the flag in Iwo Jima, Japan after World War II. When Neil Armstrong landed on the moon in 1969, he planted the flag and used wires to hold it up since it would not wave because of the lack of wind.
     The American flag is a patriotic symbol that is known all over the world. It stands for America and helps us remember the brave men and women who fought for our country, such as my grandfather. There are many people who risked their lives for us. Many came back with injuries, and many did not come back at all. I honor the flag because I support our troops who protect our country and our freedom. Out of respect, I will continue to stand and face the flag when I say the pledge because I honor America.
                                                    - from the  Post Auxiliary Patriot Pen essay, Michelle Howard's daughter