The month of June seems to bring special recognition to the young people associated with our area. . First we had Kelsey Simons, now we have Justin Gass. Justin is the grandson of Kay and Melvin Rhinebeck. He is the proud son of Sharon and Michael Gass of Irondequoit, N.Y. and attends Dake Middle School. I have included the essay he wrote for a social studies assignment. The class is going to Washington D.C. and Justin has been chosen to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier because of his essay. I think you might agree, after reading it that Justin deserves the recognition.
What the American Flag Means to Me
By Justin Gass
In my fourteen years of life, what the flag means to me has changed greatly.
When my brother and I were toddlers we found it fun to dress in the colors of
the American flag for patriotic events, not knowing what it all meant. As I
entered school and learned the Pledge of Allegiance, the meaning of the flag
started to take shape. I understood that this piece of cloth had a special
meaning to me as an American. Throughout my elementary years the history and
symbolism of the flag became clearer and through this I began to understand that
the flag was a symbol of American freedom.
A few years ago while visiting both the Gettysburg and Arlington National Cemeteries, the meaning became clearer once again. As I saw the number of flags marking the graves of those brave, unselfish people who sacrificed their lives to protect the freedom and rights of Americans, I was awestruck. I understood what was meant by National Pride and began to believe that our flag is a symbol of hope and bravery.
It is this hope and bravery that I aspire to honor by serving my country in the United States Coast Guard. It is through this branch of the military that I will be able to help defend our country while standing proud with the symbol of freedom- the American flag- on my sleeve.