In 1814, Francis Scott Key, from behind enemy lines, watched as Fort McHenry was bombarded by rockets. In the face of the onslaught, one thousand of Maryland’s militia stood firm in the face of a world power and unfeasible odds.

By dawn the Fort still remained, and the flag that inspired the national anthem waved in the smoky winds.

However, the star spangled banner over Fort McHenry was not the same as the one seen today. That flag had fifteen stripes and stars, one of numerous styles adapted since the nation’s start.

While the appearance of the ensign has been modified throughout the United States’ young life, its purpose has remained true. 

The fifty star flag represents America today.

I know this personally….

One such flag is folded triangularly in my grandmother’s home. Her husband fought in the Vietnam War.

I watched the presentation of the flag, blinking away tears and listening to thanks for my grandfather’s sacrifices.

Sacrifices that would break the ordinary.

Growing up in a  military family, I had witnessed homecomings, ceremonies, changes of command and the lowering of flags to half-mast.

But at this moment, the United States’ flag’s purpose had never been more prominent.

For the sake of the United States, my grandfather surrendered his body to fatigue, barrages of bullets, and a broken back after he crashed his helicopter. He had just delivered an injured soldier to a hospital.

He lost his peace of mind and returned to America, struggling to leave the combat behind as he raised three daughters. The pain he endured to defend and honor his country seems impossible, and no amount of verbal gratitude measures up to it. 

Since the birth of the United States, its people have been using the flag as a symbol of pride and remembrance.

The white stripes reflect the purity of the country’s most treasured ideals, and the passionate and hardy red, like the blood of brave soldiers, stands for valor.

Combined with navy blue, symbolizing perseverance,

America’s flag has always represented the unchanging humility of its soldiers.

They have always stood for something much greater than themselves, even when outgunned, one world power against a thousand brave men.

Anna Stasevich is currently a senior in high school who seeks to pursue a career in writing or literature after obtaining a college degree. She hopes to one day work as an author or an editor involved in publishing.

Her father is an active duty officer in the United States Army, and by age fourteen, her family had moved throughout the country eight times. Her favorite post was at the West Point Military Academy, the place with the most stunning views and people and where her love for writing began.Her favorite writing genres all fall under the fiction umbrella.

Presently, much of her time is devoted to schoolwork and her role as an actress in her high school’s theatre company. When not studying or performing, Anna enjoys listening to music, illustrating, and talking with her closest friends.

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