This past week 74 area fifth and sixth grade teachers of local school districts have received information regarding the Flag Essay contest from the National Organization of the Daughters of the American Revolution and our Rome chapter, Fort Stanwix.

“What the Flag of the United States Means to Me” is an essay contest open to students in grades 5-6. Essays may be neatly handwritten in black ink, typed or prepared on a computer or word processor. Specific rules regarding the essay and cover page have been submitted to the classroom teachers.

Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners. The local winners and their families will be invited to a Fort Stanwix Chapter Award Ceremony and Reception in the spring to read their essays and receive their awards. Understandably, each school day has time restrictions and huge curriculum requirements. For these reasons, it is encouraged that students participate on their own, unless a class assignment is offered by the teacher.

Parental involvement of any class activity is always a plus. When parents become aware of the opportunities their child would have by entering this contest, the learning possibilities are endless.

This is basically an opinion essay, but history and facts regarding the flag are important factors to be considered.

The Fort Stanwix Chapter offers these essays to several area school districts. We have had winning essays go on to the state level and become state winners. Students who participate will become richer for the experience while learning something about their country as well as themselves. Encouraging knowledge and interest in our history is a worthwhile endeavor.

— Judy Parker, Chair Flag Essay Contest, Rome