As I live in the United States, I have found that Americans are proud of their flag. The American flag is displayed nearly everywhere — schools, hospitals, roads and even Walmart! Everywhere I look, the Star-Spangled Banner is always there, waving proudly in the breeze.
After I came back from a trip to Washington D.C., I started understanding the history and meaning behind the flag. One day during the trip, my host parents took me to the National Museum of American History. My host dad said that he wanted to see the original Star-Spangled Banner that is in this museum. He told me it was very meaningful and special to him, and the best view to see it is from the third floor.
Later, after we entered the museum, I went straight to the third floor with my host parents, to see how impressive it is. However, when I actually stood next to my host dad on the third floor, all I saw was a huge silver American flag. It may sound simple, but in my view that time, it was just like a pretty decoration. I did not understand why it is so important and special to Americans.
Later I asked my host parents about the origin of the "Star-Spangled Banner," and what made it so special to them. They told me that the "Star-Spangled Banner" was written by Francis Scott Key, a lawyer who witnessed the daylong assault of Fort McHenry by British troops during the War of 1812. The next day at dawn, Key was able to see an American flag still waving. Key was inspired by the American victory and the sight of the large American flag flying triumphantly above the fort. Back home in Baltimore and he was so inspired, Key wrote a poem about what he had seen.
"Wow, how impressive it was!" I said "The victory and the inspiring story behind it was amazing!"
This story tells us that while Americans were facing their darkest hour, they never gave up on themselves. They would stand up and use their victory to prove that American will always stand strong just like the waving Star-Spangled Banner.
"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded" (2 Chronicles 15:7) tells us that we should never give up on ourselves, even when we feel like we are at our lowest point because God never gives up on anyone. Just like the story of the Star-Spangled Banner, no matter how dark and hopeless the situation is, we can always pick ourselves up and move on.