The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

On Sunday, March 18, a number of Waitsburg Elementary School students were honored for their essay writing efforts at a luncheon hosted by the College Place VFW Ladies Auxiliary #466. Sarabeth Mc- Gowen, Zack Wood, Hayden Peralez, Brandon Leroue, Daylan Marlow, Andrew Rosenberger, Natalie Teal, Hudson Reser, Carly Pearson, Kyle Eilertson, Danielle Hill and Laura Hill were honored. Cason Nichols was the big winner and received a cash award of $100 as well as a certifi cate and gift bag.

What is An American?

An American is somebody who respects our nation and our flag. It is also a person who served in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or the National Guard. I think the people who put their lives on the line to keep our freedom. I'm very thankful for the people who have served in the armed forces.

Our flag is one of the most beautiful things I've seen. Our flag has fifty stars up in the left hand corner. There are thirteen strips on the flag. The strips are red and white. I think a good American should stand for the pledge because it is respectful. I also think an American is somebody that is a U.S. citizen.

What is a U.S. citizen you ask? It is somebody born in the U.S. Somebody who marries a U.S. citizen. A person who is adopted from another country becomes a U.S. citizen. I know because my brother was born in China. My mom and dad adopted him.

Americans have the right to vote in what they believe in. They can vote for presidents, governors and mostly anything you can think of. Voting is a huge right that us Americans have in our life. The reason it is an important thing to us Americans is some countries don't have this right.

In closing, I told you about respecting our nation, the American flag, U.S. citizens, and voting. This is what I think an American is.