Tonight we went to the Ripon High School Senior Awards Night and celebrated with Alex as she received a Silver tassel (for Honor Roll) and also a $500 scholarship, that was awarded to her by The American Legion. She won it with an essay that she wrote about the American flag. She has such a gift for writing, it was nice to see that talent being recognized.
Here is her essay:
The American Flag
The universal meaning of the American flag is freedom. But I think everyone has a deeper definition. To me, the American flag means freedom of speech and religion, the ability to make choices on my own everyday, and the opportunity to choose what to do with my life. It represents men that had a vision to better America and the people in it, knowing that we had the potential to be an amazing country. It symbolizes the determination and strength of individuals when they believe in something, and the ability to achieve it. Something else that I don't think people consider often enough is the price of our freedom. Ironically, freedom isn't free. We fight the battle everyday, whether it is an internal or government battle, or literally on the battlefield. Many lives have been lost to protect our freedom, and I wish we all had a deeper appreciation for that. In the end, the American flag stands for all that America is now, and all that is yet to be fought for. It represents our past, present, and gives us hope for the future.
