[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 81 (Thursday, June 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    CHRISTINE BAUTISTA IS RUNNERUP IN SCHOOL-DAR FLAG ESSAY CONTEST

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 1994

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, for more than 20 years, Nancy Vonic, 
English teacher at Oliver Winch Junior High School in South Glens 
Falls, NY, and with the help of the Jane McCrea Chapter of the 
Daughters of the American Revolution, has assigned her seventh-graders 
to write essays about the American flag.
  I am proud to place the winning essays in today's Record, including 
the second-place essay of Christine Bautista, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
Alex Bautista of 1 Michael Terrace in Fort Edward. Congratulations go 
out to Christine, and our grateful appreciation to Nancy Vonic and the 
Jane McCrea Chapter of the DAR.

                    Second Place--The American Flag

                        (By Christine Bautista)

       The American flag is very important in everyone's life. In 
     some ways, the feeling is the same, in other ways, they can 
     be deeply personal. These are some of the reasons it is 
     important in my life.
       First of all, the 50 stars on the flag represent each of 
     America's states. The colors of the flag are very important 
     also. Red means courage, blue means loyalty, and white means 
     truth. Each of which our country stands for.
       Secondly, it represents unity. It represents exactly what 
     our country is. That the 50 states are united.
       Another reason is my grandfather was in World War II. I am 
     sure that the flag means a lot to him. He fought for our flag 
     and country.
       The flag also represents all of the people who died in the 
     war for the cause of freedom. It is a symbol of hope for 
     people in unfortunate countries that wish someday they will 
     have the same freedom. At national sports events it is a 
     reminder to all of us where our prosperity came from.
       When the flag flies at half staff, it is a reminder to me 
     that we have lost someone great and highly respected that was 
     dedicated to our common cause.
       And, finally, it would feel very weird if, during the 
     morning announcements, I did not participate in the Pledge of 
     Allegiance. To start my day off thinking how lucky it is to 
     live in this country.

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