What the US Flag Stands For

Every morning in elementary school I would begin my day saying The Pledge of Allegiance with my fellow classmates. It became such a routine that by the third or fourth grade, I did not even listen or comprehend the powerful words I was saluting to my country.

I did have a mediocre sense of what the flag stood for, however. My teacher told me, “Red stands for the blood that was shed when our country was founded, White stands for the freedom that was won, and Blue stands for the justice that was achieved.” I thought I was so smart because I knew what the American flag symbolized. In reality, this is just a book definition. Anyone can repeat this information; it has no real meaning or impact.

I discovered the true symbolization of our country’s flag on the historical day the World Trades Center came crashing down. September 11 is a day that will be remembered forever. So many brave, innocent lives were lost when the hijacked planes crashed into the seemingly impenetrable towers that were prominent figures in New York’s skyline. Through all the sorrow and hurt, I did learn one very important thing, what the American flag truly stands for.

September 11 was the first national catastrophe that occurred during my lifetime. It was the first time I actually saw people come together and unite for a common cause. For my entire life I felt that the only people I could relate to were my close friends and family, but after 9/11 I realized that across America people share similar beliefs and feelings. Everyone came together to support and protect our beloved nation and its people. We cried together, loved together, and made fists of anger together.

The American flag stands for the fact that even through all the diversity, people across America can come together and support one another. Whether in a time of need, joy, or hurt, America has the ability to stand together and fight for what is right.