What is your Red, White and Blue?

What is the American Flag? I am the the American flag, the American flag is me.(deep breathe, exhale 1-2-3)

Red, white and blue are 3 words I never thought I would use to describe myself. At 8 years old, I unknowingly became the definition of the American flag. I woke up to find out my father had passed away during the night. I was sad, confused and wanted to not believe everyone around me. I wanted to run from the truth. My Mom held me tight and promised me everything would be eventually ok. (deep breathe, exhale 1-2-3)

We are all born with our white stripes, innocence and purity. My white stripes were threatened when I lost my father. Valor and hardiness are humbling words to define myself but these are my red stripes. My red stripes protected my white when they were under attack. The red held strong, bold and fearless when everything should have fallen apart. I am red, I am white.

Finally, blue filled my heart and soul when I realized my life was still ok. I persevered, held strong and paid attention. I saw what my life was about; the 50 stars represent the people in my life that protect, define and love me. They all have names and are all equally important in my future. I may have seen bombs bursting and perilous fights fought but with the colors and truths held close inside me, I knew my flag was still there. I am red, I am white, I am blue. (deep breath, exhale 1-2-3)

In this country, we have freedom and choice. I choose to wave my stars and stripes proudly, as they are proof of who I am; I am Paris Anahlee Peterson, one person who will always stand proudly with my red, white and blue.

Ms. Paris Anahlee Peterson recently wrote this for an oratory competition entitled “God, Flag & Country,” sponsored by a chapter of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in her home state of Ohio. One of the purposes cited by the FOE for the contest says, “We believe the young should know and appreciate the advantage of democracy, possess a real love for their country and desire to take an active, intelligent part in its operation.” Paris came away with the win for her age group and received a very nice engraved plaque. She now moves on to the District competition. Two more wins would bring her to the state competition and a chance at winning $2,000.

In her speech Paris mentions that her father passed away. What she doesn’t say is that he died by suicide and that she is now ten years old. It has only been two years since she woke up to learn this life changing news. Only two years since she had to learn the hard way where our stripes come from. Paris’ mother is a friend and shared this with me. I told her I know few adults who can express themselves as well as Paris did.

Heidi came home from a class she was taking to find her husband dead by asphyxiation in their garage. Their four children lay sleeping steps away clueless of what had transpired after they were tucked in. She contemplated whether or not to tell them the truth. She decided to be honest so they could face the issue of suicide head on, as a family. Some disagreed with her decision and threw harsh judgements at her. She has endured. Two years later, Heidi and her children are the epitome of survival. Paris’ speech is evident of this. She speaks with a fluid maturity that can only be learned by adversity and the gentle love and guidance of a mother who hasn’t sugar-coated life.

I speak and write often of how I earned my stripes and what I have learned from them. It is not easy to express the lessons, the emotions and the feelings in a way that others can understand. Having an authentic voice cannot be taught. You have to earn the stripes. When Heidi sent me Paris’ speech, my eyes welled up. When she sent me the picture of her with the winning plaque, I had tears. Heidi’s pride was off the charts, so was mine, for both of them.
The first time I met Paris she was a sweet toddler covered in melted popsicle, chasing her brother at a steamy mid-summer picnic. She was a beautifully innocent little girl. She still is, however, life has matured her in a way I wish to God it wouldn’t have. Her father’s suicide robbed her of a measure of innocence she should still be enjoying. She has learned that life doesn’t slow down or stop and wait for you to catch up. If you want to keep up, you have to keep going. You have to know where your stripes came from.

As Paris stated, “In this country, we have freedom and choice. I choose to wave my stars and stripes proudly, as they are proof of who I am; I am Paris Anahlee Peterson, one person who will always stand proudly with my red, white and blue.”

At the tender age of ten, this young lady is a shining example of what it means to take an active and intelligent role in what this great country has to offer. I have no doubt Paris can continue her winning streak as she speaks of how she earned her red, white and blue. I will be cheering for her, not only to win the competitions, but to keep winning at life, meeting adversity head on and waving her stars and stripes proudly. Her mama taught her well and is a friend I am honored to know.