[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 52 (Tuesday, May 2, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MS. AMANDA NODINE

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                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 2000

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I received a letter two weeks ago from a 
constituent, The Honorable Lucille Craine, who is supervisor of the 
town of Victory, New York which is in my district. Included in the 
letter was an essay, written by Amanda Nodine, a thirteen-year-old 
student who attends Red Creek Central School. Amanda's essay, titled 
``Our Flag, Why Should We Respect It?'', has received various 
acclamations, including recognition by the Wolcott Elk Lodge and other 
American Legion organizations.
  I am very proud of Amanda for her patriotism and loyalty to our 
country. She exhibits discipline, sensitivity, and love for her country 
while also representing her school and her community. I am equally 
proud of Red Creek High School, the parents, and administrators who are 
so supportive of this outstanding young citizen.
  I have included her essay for the record.

                  Our Flag, Why Should We Respect It?

                           (By Amanda Nodine)

       The American Flag has many reasons why it should be 
     respected. Yet many people don't understand the meanings of 
     the American flag.
       Many Americans fought for our country risking their lives. 
     People died so they could save our country. The soldiers 
     wanted all of us to be free now, in the future, and back 
     then. The American flag shows honor and support for the 
     people who fought, died, and suffered, all for our country.
       The flag has many meanings. The flag symbolizes 
     independence, freedom, justice, America, and democracy. The 
     flag has 50 white stars on a navy blue background, and 13 
     alternating red and white stripes. The 13 strips represent 
     the original 13 colonies. It has 50 stars for all of the 50 
     states. The flag's colors are red, white, and blue. Red 
     standing for heroism, zeal, and faith; white for hope, 
     purity, and cleanliness of life; and blue the color of 
     heaven, in honor of God, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and 
     truth.
       We show patriotism when we salute the flag, fly it on/at 
     important events, government buildings, schools, American 
     legions, Elks Clubs, and other important buildings.
       Without our flag we wouldn't be a free country. We could be 
     owned by another country and ruled by one too.
       The flag should be respected because it is an important 
     monument and also because it symbolizes the freedom of our 
     country. Respect the American flag!

     

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