Stars and Stripes Writing Activity
On June 14, we celebrate Flag Day. At this time, we honor the flag of the United States and what it represents. Some of the names people have given to the flag are the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, and the Red, White, and Blue.
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the new nation. There is a legend that Betsy Ross made a flag according to this new design. The first Flag Day was observed on June 14, 1877, the 100th anniversary of its adoption. But it wasn't until 1949 that President Harry Truman approved a resolution designating June 14 as a national Flag Day.
Flag Day is not a legal holiday, but special observances are held every June 14. Flags are displayed in homes as well as public buildings and businesses. Parades are held in many towns and cities.
The flag is a symbol of the United States. It stands for freedom and opportunity, as well as honoring those who died defending it. Many people have expressed their love of the flag in music and words. The flag that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner," which is now the national anthem. John Philip Sousa wrote several marches about the flag, the most famous being the rousing "Stars and Stripes Forever." Popular songwriter George M. Cohan wrote "You're a Grand Old Flag," part of which goes, "You're the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave."
In this activity, students will write an essay about the flag.
- First, have students complete the
brainstorming list below:
- Write as many words and phrases as you can think of that can be used to describe the U.S. flag.
- Write as many words and phrases as you can think of that describe your feelings about the U.S. flag.
- Write as many words and phrases as you can think of that can be used to describe the meaning of the U.S. flag.
- After the brainstorming is complete, use the Stars and Stripes – First Draft sheet.
- Finally, use the Stars and Stripes – Final Draft sheet.
Excerpted from Writing Activities for Every Month of the School Year.
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