Winning essay ~

Pierre could hardly wait to tell us! He had won 1st place out of 500 5th grade essays on "Why I am Proud to Pledge Allegiance to Our Flag." Due to his reading and writing disability, I had written what he wanted to say word-for-word on a dry erase board for him to copy. At the time, it didn't hit me... what depth and insight he had. But, when he came home that day and re-read it to us, it was deeply moving and definitely worthy of the award! He wants to wear his suit later this month when he attends the banquet to receive his recognition and cash reward.

I remember the first day I heard the Pledge of Allegiance. I was new to America and didn't know the words. But I felt proud to be here where I could have freedom like going to school, getting a good job, and praying to God. When I learned the pledge, I liked so many parts.

It calls us a republic, which means we get to vote how we want. In my country of Haiti, people scare you to vote a certain way or keep you from voting.

I'm proud to say "under God" because I believe God had a plan to bring me from the earthquake in Haiti to a new life in America. It also means it was people who believed in God that started our country.

The pledge ends by saying "for all." That means it doesn't matter where you are from or what color your skin is. Everybody can have liberty and justice.

I wish I could thank Francis Bellamy who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892. He helped me to say everyday what I believe about my country. I'm proud that I have a family in America.