Joined as one, my classmates and I all stand and stare at our flag, with our hands over our hearts. This flag means something different to each of us. But a shared respect fills the room as we give it our full attention each and every morning. 

We celebrate with our hands in others hands, colors burst into the air, and flags continue to be waved on a special day. The men and women who sacrifice to protect our country are celebrated for their bravery, and their devotion to the United States. 

Each one of these soldiers who gave their lives to protect our country and its values are what we as Americans strive to be. That ambition, hard work, passion, the strive for excellence to protect, care and love the freedom and unity our great nation holds is within all of us. Hands on our hearts, we beat as one.