What the National Anthem means to me

Mr. Wronko’s student, Anijah Taylor, was honored by the Asbury Park/Wall Elks Lodge NO. 128 for her essay on “WHAT DOES THE NATIONAL ANTHEM MEAN TO ME?”

Here is her essay for everyone to see:

“WHAT DOES THE NATIONAL ANTHEM MEAN TO ME?”

To me the National Anthem has many meanings.

First I would like to focus on is the brave men and women that are serving overseas fighting the war on terrorism because there are many phrases in the National Anthem that truly represent their bravery.

For example, I feel this way because it says the “bombs bursting in the air.” This reminds me of the men and women fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan. Every day, these men and women are putting their lives on the line so that terrorism never again reaches the shores of the U.S.In addition, what stands out is the saying of “home of the brave.” “Home of the brave” is very uplifting because what brings this to light is the navy seal six who eliminated Osama Bin Laden, the terrorist responsible for the destruction of the World Trade Center and the death of 3,000 people.

Second, the words “the flag was still there” reminds me of major events in U.S. history in which the flag gave hope. For instance, during World War II, the battle of Iwo Jima was a horrific conflict in which the United States battled Japan. After many days of fighting,the American soldiers were discouraged. However, that changed when the U.S. soldiers raised the American Flag. This inspired the soldiers to defeat
Japan.

The flag showed total bravery and inspiration. In addition to the battle of Iwo Jima,the flag being raised after the destruction of the World Trade Center reminds me of the words “the flag was still there.”

For example, on 9’11, not only was the World Trade Center destroyed, but one hijacked plane hit the pentagon,and the last hijacked plane hit the field in Pennsylvania. That plane that crashed in Pennsylvania was heading for the White House and would of have made it if was not for the brave men and women on board that stopped the terrorists from carrying out another horrific event. After all the horrific events of 9’11, the fire fighters raised the American flag to show that the United States did not die. In conclusion,this was my interpretation of the National Anthem. I am sure that the National Anthem has many more meanings. But one can agree that the National Anthem remains in the heart of all Americans.

By:
Anijah Taylor

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