News : Henkle receives 2nd Place in District Essay Contest

Last year in December of 2019, Loren Henkle a 5th grader, entered the flag essay contest with the Vinton America Legion Unit 57. Placing first place, his entry went on to compete at the District level. The family just received word from the 3rd District of the Iowa American Legion's Flag Essay Chairman Doug Anderson, informing them that Loren has won 2nd place in the district, In his letter, Chairman Doug Anderson said of Henkle's essay, "I have been our district's flag essay chairman for five years now and I wanted to let you know that your essay was one of the best essays that I have read in those five years. You show your patriotism to our country."Covid-19 restrictions prevented the usual awards ceremony, but we have a picture of Loren holding his certificate. Loren was also awarded a cash prize of $25.Loren's essay is below:The Flag of the United States of America means a lot to me. The stars especially seem symbolic in my eyes. The fact that they are all together in an area representing America. because the stars symbolize the 50 states. It seems to me that it shows that truly, we are united. As it says in Francis Scott Key's Star-Spangled Banner, the "Stars, and Stripes" wave even in times of conflict and strife. Truer words are scarcely spoken. I have a few other things to say about the display of the flag. The 13 stripes show that even as the country drastically changes, we needn't lose sight that it all started with Massachusetts, Virginia, Georgia, New York, The Carolinas, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. I have several war veterans in my family, and they have given me renowned respect for the flag. Being a soldier is a noble cause because they work to defend the flag and the freedoms that ordinary U.S. citizens might take for granted. However much the flag means to me, I'm sure it means a lot more to those who served. It is a sign of hope in the heat of battle. Men have died fr the flag and what it represents, and I think that that is just incredible. Whenever I look at the flag, I feel inspired to do something great. George Washington and the rest of the founding fathers have contributed so much to living now. They established our freedom in the Declaration of Independence and used the Constitution to create one of the greatest countries in the world. The flag to me is a visual representation of how they shaped the country and the people in it. Thanks to their sacrifices, I am here today. Congratulations Loren!