Lisbon Middle School recently announced their “What the Flag Means to Me” essay contest winners. 
The Lisbon American Legion judged the essays, and named three winners for the year, and all fifth graders recieved Dilly Bars from Dairy Queen during the announcement period. 
First place – Emma Mollenhauer
I recently learned just how important the flag is to American history. It made me realize how important it is to me as well. To me, the flag is important because it symbolizes freedom, risk, and respect.
To me, the flag means freedom. I see freedom when I look at the flag. When I look at the colors of the flag, red means blood, the white means freedom, and the blue reminds me of the sea for the soldiers who have fought overseas.
The flag symbolizes risk. I see risk when I look at the flag for the people who have died or fought for our country. These people have taken a risk of losing family members, friends, and beloved ones.
I think of respect when I see the flag. I respect the flag because some of my family members have fought for the flag and some of my friends’ parents have as well.
We should respect the flag when we hear the national anthem. If you or anyone is wearing a hat, then take your hat off and place it on your left shoulder with your right hand on your heart.
I respect the flag by following the flag code. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning it in a dignified manner. I will do my part by making sure the flag stands high, and with no rips or tears.
As I’ve said, to me the flag stands for freedom, risk, and respect. I am proud to be an American and I show my pride by displaying my flag and by showing it the respect it deserves.
Second place, Raine Brown
I recently learned just how important the flag is to American history. It made me realize how important it is to me as well. To me, the flag is important because it symbolizes safety, freedom, and rights.
The flag means freedom. Whenever I see the flag, it helps me remember what I am and what I have. It also means happiness to me. I feel happy when I see people have what they want. That’s freedom.
Next, the flag means safety to me. I can see that I don’t need to hide. It also means that I know that I am safe in my home and anywhere.
Last, the flag means rights. It means that I have the right to speak and the flag made it happen. It also means that I can do anything because I have the right to be an American.
The flag code tells us how we are supposed to treat the flag. I will clean the flag and mend it when it’s necessary. I will fly the flag only in good weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use. When the flag is lowered, I will let no part of it touch the ground or any other object. When I say the Pledge of Allegiance, I will make sure I will put my hand on my heart to show respect to the flag and to myself.
As I said, the flag is important to me and all Americans. The flag means freedom, safety, and rights. I will show my pride by displaying my flag and by showing the respect it deserves. I am proud to be an American and I hope you are, too.
Third place – Rosalie Kleinmeyer
I’ve recently been learning about the American flag and its history. This has made me realize just how important the flag means to me. In my opinion, the flag represents independence, rights, and respect.
To me, the flag means independence. We fought for our freedom against Europe, and this makes me feel proud. I think it is a privilege to be able to have our own country.
Another thing the flag means is our rights as Americans. We don’t have a set ruler. Every four years we select a new one. We fight in wars for our freedom, such as the Civil War and the Revolutionary War.
When I see the flag, I think of respect. I think of the training and commitment people from the military have had to go through. Many soldiers have given their lives for people they don’t even know. It’s hard to imagine what those peoples’ families have also gone through.
I respect the flag by following the flag code. I will always light the flag when it is dark out, and will never draw or put a drawing on the flag. When the flag is with me, it will never touch the ground.
As I’ve said, we should all be proud to live in such a great country. Every time I see the flag, I remember to think of all the people who have done so much for this wonderful country, and I hope everyone else does, too.