What Does the American Flag Mean to Me - By Clint Perot
Every month, we invite proud Americans to share their personal reflections on what the American flag means to them. This contest is more than just a writing challenge—it’s a celebration of the deep, personal connections that unite us under the Stars and Stripes. Each month, we feature a winning entry that embodies the values of patriotism, freedom, and honor.
Winners receive a beautifully crafted American flag and a gift card, and their story is shared to inspire others who hold the flag—and all it stands for—close to heart.
This month, we are honored to feature Clint Perot’s heartfelt story as the April 2025 contest winner. Clint’s journey through decades of personal and patriotic moments reflects how the flag can deeply shape a lifetime of American pride. His moving words remind us of the emotional depth and generational impact that the American flag can hold.
"A Proud To Be An American"
By Clint Perot
I attended a Catholic school from the first grade to the seventh. Every morning began with the pledge of allegiance. What a great start of the day for our young minds.
My uncle, James Glasgow from New York, was in the Army. He served multiple tours in Vietnam. Between one of his tours, he visited our family in Louisiana. This was in the 1960s, and we had a billboard in our town that read, “America, love it or leave it.” I just got emotional writing that.
He told me how important it was to be an American and the freedom that our flag represents. I have always given him credit for the way I feel about our great country.
As I aged, there were times at different events, when raising the flag or hearing the Star-Spangled Banner, that I became emotional. My brother was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles and my emotions increased at the ceremony before the game. Then came children, and my good emotions continued. Sometimes an uncontrollable small—or large—knot in my throat, sometimes a tear. Not every time or every event. The good thing about all of the emotions is that they were good feeling emotions. Proud emotions. Proud to be an American emotion.
I’m 71 now and I thank God that I still experience these proud-to-be-an-American emotional moments. I just moved to a new home and had to purchase a new flag and pole. Thank you so much for this beautiful and well-made flag and pole. I love it!
Share Your Story
Clint’s touching reflections remind us that the American flag is more than a national emblem—it’s a source of generational pride, deep emotion, and lifelong connection. From childhood to the present day, the flag has stood as a beacon of unity and gratitude in his life.
If this story inspired you or gave you a fresh perspective on the meaning of the American flag, share it with your friends and family to keep the spirit of patriotism alive.
Don’t stop here—explore other heartfelt entries in the What the American Flag Means to You? series and discover the unique ways the Stars and Stripes connect us all.
What does the American flag mean to you? Your story matters. Each month, we select a new winner whose words will inspire others. Winners will receive a free American flag and a special gift card as a token of appreciation.
This invitation is open to everyone who shares the spirit of American pride. By sharing your story—or encouraging someone else to—you help keep the values of freedom and unity alive for generations to come. Visit our contest page to submit your reflection and be part of this celebration of patriotism and pride.
