Lauren Rebuth

English 101
Rough Draft
22 September 2014
Poster Presentation Writing

During our class poster presentations, lots of different ideas and topics came about. One
object I have feelings about and thought showed strong pathos is the American flag. The
American flag is an iconic symbol, showing patriotism for the United States. Patriotism is
defined as love or devotion to ones country. I am extremely lucky to live in a country where I
can have freedom and my own opinions.
The flag all started when the United States declared independence from Britain because
we wanted to make a better free life ourselves. Since 1777, the flag has been modified 26 times.
Currently the flag has 13 stripes which represent the original 13 colonies of the United States,
and 50 stars representing the 50 states. The white on the flag signifies purity, the red signifies
valor, and blue is justice.
The flag is known all around the world, people dream of coming to America to make a
better life for themself. For instance, recently at work a customer came up to me and told me he
was from South Sudan. He came to America a couple years ago as a refuge, his story touched
me. While he was in South Sudan he dreamed of coming to America, calling it the land of
opportunity. Once he arrived here, his whole life changed. He went to school, graduated from

college, and now has a successful job. He told me he loves it in America and the new life he has
here. Many people take for granted the life our country gives us, not realizing how much we do
have. Other countries are strict and control everything, while in America we choose what we
want and make our own choice.
The American flag is also an emotional symbol for our veterans. The U.S military is
strong and powerful, because of such great heroes who are willing to sacrifice their life for our
countrys freedom. Traditionally, the flag will play roles in military funerals, or other civil jobs
such as police officers and firefighters. Over the casket, the flag lays on top as a reminder of the
dead persons sacrifice. Just between 2003 and 2012, over 4,000 American soldiers died in Iraq. I
am sure many families faced tragedy hearing their love one has passed, but without our soldiers
we would not be a free country like we are today. Recently (in December 2013), I had a chance
to go to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. While at Pearl Harbor the emotion was everywhere when
walking around the USS Arizona. To see all the names of the fallen on the wall was surreal,
knowing all these people on the Arizona ship passed away. Even today, the ship still leaks oil in
the water that is visible for the people to see. Everyone on the memorial remained quiet in
respect to those that had passed away. Outside walking up to the USS Missouri there is a whole
pathway of flags, serving as a constant reminder about what America stands for and those who
fought for freedom. It is important we have these historical places as a reminder of the past, not
only to remember the soldiers, but also to know that America is strong and never gave up. The
younger generation might not know about American history or why it is important, but having
these constant reminders such as the American flag and historical monuments teaches them.

Everyone has their opinion on what the flag means. To some countries they could see it
as a threat, not liking the fact we have freedom, which is why they show hate. America sees it as
a representation of freedom and courage, blessed to live in a land of the free.