My name is Unna Trunkenbolz. I am a 2nd grade teacher at South Elementary in Brighton.

I have a class of bright students and in September my students were asked to write about what the American flag means to them. We worked on our essay as a class but I had two students who went a step further and beyond the assignment.

I feel that these two essays represent American patriotism.

Essay #1: We the People by Azia Saenz

Once a long while ago people believed that American was invinceable. When the 911 happened it was a devastating thing. This belief was thought no more.

Lots of innocent people died. Along with our heroes, policemen, andfiremen.

Then again we were attacked. We have had three attacks but the third one failed.

It had failed to hit the White House. It took a long time to figure out even why someone would fly a plane into a building and kill tons of people.

Until we found out that people from other countries did not believe in the freedom we have, so next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, say it with pride and respect because there are people fighting right now in Iraq so that you can live a better and safe secure life.

Essay #2: The Flag is Important by Krystell Tarin

The flag is important to United States because it means liberty and justice.

When you do the Pledge of Allegiance don't goof around because there are soldiers fighting for us to save the United States right now! And some soldiers have been killed because of the attacks of 911. And its serious but not funny.

You shall respect the flag how you respect others. You shall not let the American flag touch the floor. Do the Pledge of Allegiance looking at the flag with respect.
You have to do it because if you don't you will be in trouble.

Be glad to be an American. Live a happy life here in our country, the United States of America. I am telling the truth.

Nothing was changed from the essays, except punctuation and spelling errors
(which were few).