Below are the actual hand-written (transcrbed) letters from each student explaining the proj- ect and how it made them feel.
Emma R. Kimbrel Flowers – Bright Light of Hope 10th Grade
What I felt when I worked on this project was feelings that most youth don’t have. In the top corner there are tiny squares and rectangles. To me, they feel like memories that are floating around – maybe even ones that are forgotten. The flowers on my drawing show a bright light of hope – that which our country should have. We all are bonded together without even know- ing it. After the Veterans had served, we all felt at peace. Some people might not be respectful, but on the inside they are because we would not be where we are now without our Veterans.
What it meant to me to be able to have my card given to a Veteran meant a lot. All that mattered to me was that I made their day and that they know they are my role model. They changed this country for the better, and that is the best thing anyone could have done for this country. I wanted them to know that someone is thinking about them.
Morgan Didlake America the Brave & Strong 12th Grade
This project really inspired me because our troops go out and fight for our freedom. I want- ed this card to have as much thanks and grati- tude in it as well as history. The stars represent different wars in different colors. This project was amazing. Nothing I can ever do would amount to what they did for our country, but I hope this shows my gratitude.
Kamryn Burns Salute to the Troops 12th Grade
When I was working on this project, I felt sad that our troops have to be shipped across the world and be away from their families. They sacrificed everything for us and I couldn’t bemore grateful for them making our world a better place.
It really means a lot to me giving my art work to someone that has served our country because my uncle is in the Air Force and I know he really would have appreciated know- ing that no matter where you are, we are always with you and grateful for your service.
Kaden Swords Fire Crackers 9th Grade
I was thinking about what the flag means to me and how Jasper Johns created this works. I was also heavily inspired by my step dad who has PTSD from a car bomb that blew up beside him. Whilst he loves fireworks, he can’t watch them because of his PTSD. It makes me feel happy to be able to give something back to the people who have risked everything for me and millions of others to stay free.
Emma Tyson The Brave, Bright & Bold 10th Grade
I felt almost a sense of pride — pride for our country and our accomplishments as a coun- try. After talking about what the flag meant, I felt deep feelings for our country and all that we’ve done.
I felt honored to be able to give something as small as a little picture and a letter to someone who did so much for us for our freedom and rights. I felt better to at least do that, versus nothing at all, for the people who risked so much for us. They deserve more respect than we give them.
Taryn Carter Land of the Free Because of the Brave 11th Grade
I felt proud making my art for my brother. I am very thankful for everyone who is serving our country. My artwork was inspired by the Jasper Johns. It gave me a feeling of pride to be a part of this country and to show honor to those who serve.