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These students' essays are being forwarded on for district judging. They will receive their certificates and money at the awards assembly this May.

 

Mrs. Holzwarth, middle school language arts teacher, stated, "Wow! I'm so proud of these eighth graders! It is wonderful for them to see how writing can be an important avenue in their lives and even offer financial assistance! Congratulations, boys!

 

The essays are reproduced below.

 

 

What The Pledge of Allegiance Means to Me?
by Tiernan Poling

I’ve been saying “The Pledge of Allegiance” ever since I was in kindergarten. I’ve always wondered what “The Pledge of Allegiance” meant and why we, the American citizens, say it. Now I know what it all means and why we say it.

I’ll tell you what it means to me. It means people who sacrificed their lives for this country for us to be free. It affects us today because it means we as citizens are free. We say it today to show we are proud to be an American. Another reason why we say “The Pledge of Allegiance” is because it is a pledge in being an American citizen.

We, as citizens, are able to say it because we are free, and independent. We are independent because we are not controlled by our government. We had to fight for our independence so that’s why we are free and able to say “The Pledge of Allegiance.”

The people who made our country’s safety possible was due to our military. They all risked their lives and left their families to protect our country and also their families. The sad part is that some soldiers never get to see their families again. So take what I've told you and remember the people who made it all possible. Next time you're saying "The Pledge of Allegiance" say it loud and proud. What does the "Pledge of Allegiance" mean to you?

 

 

 

What does the “Pledge of Allegiance’’ mean to you? To me, it means the red, white, and blue. The red, white, and blue are the colors of the flag. The red, white, and blue resemble the brave men who went to war to make this country.

 

“The Pledge of Allegiance’’ shows how proud all the men and women are to live in this beautiful country. All the men and women work under the flag which has the red, white, and blue on it.

As a young child, I remember looking up at the flag with my hand on my heart. I remember saying “The Pledge Allegiance”. I never knew what those words of “The Pledge of Allegiance’’ meant until I was a sixth grader.                                        

The words “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America” means I promise to be loyal and true to the United States of America. “To the Republic for which it stands” means I promise to be loyal and true to the United States Government and the United States people. “One nation under God” means all 50 states, and for those who believe in God. “Indivisible” means the people cannot be separated. “With liberty and justice for all” means with freedom and equal right for everyone of the United States of America.

Now that is the way I see “The Pledge of Allegiance”, but is that how you do?

 

 

What the Pledge of Allegiance Means to Me?
by Alex Queen

Have you ever sat down and thought about “The Pledge of Allegiance”? Over the past few weeks, through family discussions, that very topic has been on my heart. It occurred to me I actually don’t really know what the pledge means to me.

So I did some soul searching and found out. To me, it means promising and helping to honor and bring pride to the United States and all who inhabit it. I believe everyone after saying The Pledge should feel compelled to help one another to better our country.

The Pledge is also a symbol of respect for the brave men and women who make this country what it is today. I think The Pledge should be said in remembrance of those who gave their lives in the defense of America. It’s also a symbol of respect for the entire country, and should be said with confidence, pride, and joy. I believe this country is the best and always will be the greatest country on the face of the earth.

The Pledge also means freedom for any and all, the ability to speak, write, worship, and to have  expression. After saying the pledge remember your ability in which to encourage America’s growth.

When I speak The Pledge, I feel encouraged and happy to be a citizen of this great country. So remember the next time you recite the Pledge of Allegiance think about the people who have fought to preserve your freedom, safety, and pride because you live under that big red, white, and blue. What does the pledge of Allegiance mean to you?