When I see Old Glory, the American flag, I know it is important. It represents fredom. Freedom is travelling, buying food, having money, reading books, and getting an education, whether you are a boy or a girl. I have two friends, Claire and Lynne, who live in Isreal. They do not have the same kind of freedoms that we have in America. They sometimes need permission to go places and they are afraid to travel on buses because of bombs. We do not worry about these things in our country because we have freedom.

There are some countries where boys and girls do not have the same opportunities. I was born in South Korea and became a United States citizen, after my parents adopted me. I now have the freedoms that I might not have had if I stayed in Korea. I can go to any school I want and I can play any sport. Old Glory is important to me because now I have the chances to do things that I might not have been able to do.

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Stephanie's essay above was winner of the "What Old Glory Means To Me" essay contest.

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