To the many soldiers who put their life on the line for the country and the people living in it. The mental damages from seeing the things they saw, to the deaths of those who did not have to serve, but chose to, and those who still live to this day with permanent physical damage. This shows courage and bravery. Because of these soldiers the flag still stands proudly. This flag means courage and bravery. 

My step dad was in the military. So are his eight siblings. My dad wants me to go into the military too. He says, “I want you kids to be involved with the military in some kind of way.”

My dad and I talk about the military all the time. He tells me about his experiences. And about how important it is to respect the flag. When I recite the pledge of allegiance every morning before school, or sing the national anthem before varsity sporting events, I take off my hat because my step dad is very strict on showing respect to the flag, and taking off my hat is a huge sign of respect. 

The folded flag that we pass down to those who have lost a loved one that fought for this country. This flag means respect. 

This flag that waves high, shows the freedom we have today, that had been fought for and still continues to be fought for. The freedom has been shown way back when they won the freedom and had the declaration of independence signed in 1776 and the first flag being made with 13 stars for the 13 colonies in 1777 to what now has 50 stars for the 50 states we fought for. This flag means freedom. 

We all may believe the meaning of the flag we hang proudly, the flag of the United States of America is freedom, to me, there is more to it than just freedom. This flag has many different meanings, from respect and freedom to courage and bravery.