Not all young people are unaware as to why America is an exceptional nation. My 11-year-old great niece, Shea Smith, took first place in her county after the Elks organization requested students complete an essay titled "Why I Am Proud to Pledge Allegiance to Our Flag."
I'd like to share it with you. "I am proud to pledge allegiance to our flag because I think it shows our promise of loyalty, honor and respect for America, how greatly we appreciate our freedoms and rights, and how we are thankful for being treated fair and equally. Without our freedom, we wouldn't have the opportunities and options that we have today. Furthermore, when we say the Pledge of Allegiance, we are, in a way, saying 'thank you' to all the people who came together to face Great Britain as one. That was the beginning of the strength and determination that our country has since acquired and is capable of displaying.
"Moreover, I am proud to pledge allegiance to our flag because it is more than just stars and stripes. Our flag is a reminder of the valiant efforts of our forefathers and the hard work it took to earn our freedom. For instance, the numerous battles and clashes that, in the end, gave our country the greatest victory we had ever known: earning our independence from Great Britain.
"In conclusion, I am proud to pledge allegiance to our flag because as long as we continue to say the Pledge of Allegiance, and our flag is flying high, America will stand strong as an amazing country. So just keep in mind the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, that it is more than just an oath, it is a promise of dedication and honor to our flag and our beloved country."
I am concerned about the future of my country because textbooks have eliminated many of the facts we learned, and it has been considered to eliminate all history before the Civil War, thus causing young people to not know how America came into being.
This may be the most important election of our lives. Please vote!
Bonnie Daniel, Tiffin
