Members of Knoxville American Legion Post 168 presented ten fifth graders at Knoxville Elementary with certificates, flags and commemorative coins for their outstanding work on essays about what the American Flag means to them.

All the fifth graders submitted essays to the contest and Post Commander Curt Froyen tells KNIA/KRLS News so many of the essay’s were well written it was difficult to select just ten. Madison Bingham and Jayden McClelland shared the big ideas that influenced their essays. Bingham says the flag is a symbol of freedom and makes her proud to be an American. McClelland says the flag represents the sacrifices made for our country and should always be treated with respect. One of the students will move on to a district competition and possibly state, and national if they are selected at each stage.