Essayists: How Do We Show Patriotism

Well, to Mary Kate Miller, there are many ways to express our patriotism.

Miller was the winner of the first-ever essay contest sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary at Dexter's T.S. Hill Middle School. And Miller had the opportunity read her winning essay at the  Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be able to recite the words of the pledge to honor my flag, my country, and my God," Miller wrote. "Hanging the American flag outside of our home is a beautiful symbol of patriotism."

Miller was one of eight finalists in the essay contest.

The essay topic was 'How I show my patriotism in my community'.  

The 8th graders were selected by a six- member committee out of 161 essays written in Melinda Sweeney's Social Studies class.

The eight finalists were Seth Mouser, Kendall Adams, Mary Kate Miller, Bailey Caldwell, Paige Chasteen, Brittany Brown, Rachael Huntsman, and  Kayla Ward.

There are many ways to show my patriotism in my community. As a citizen in our community, we can stand proud to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. We can participate in supporting our troops by sending care packages to our soldiers serving in other countries. We can hang the American flag outside our homes and maintain it with dignity and respect. We can stand proud and sing along with the Star Spangled Banner or stand in silence to honor the glory of our country.

 I am always proud to show my patriotism to my community by pledging allegiance to our grand ol’ flag. Pledging allegiance to the flag shows that we are proud to be an American. We start our week at school by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to recite the words of the pledge to honor my flag, my country, and my God. Our American flag is a beautiful symbol of patriotism. Hanging the American flag outside of our home symbolizes our pride in our community and our country. The colors represent the building blocks in which our country was built on. The red stripe stands for courage, the white stands for purity, and the blue stands for perseverance, vigilance, and justice. The American flag must be maintained with dignity and respect. Our wonderful flag has thirteen stripes. It also has fifty stars. Each star represents a state in our nation today. The stripes stand for the thirteen original colonies. 

Serving in the military and sacrificing one’s life for our country is the ultimate symbol of patriotism. We can support our troops by sending care packages to our men stationed around the world. I can show my patriotism and appreciation by sending them items they would enjoy. They have left family and friends to serve our country to ensure our freedom.  A little piece of home is a small way to show appreciation.

Patriotism in one’s community goes hand in hand with one’s country. By participating in these activities, I can show why I’m so proud to be an American.