4th Grade Essay Topic:
Symbols of Freedom – Compare and contrast the history and meaning of one of the following symbols of the United States and Texas:
- the Flag of the United States (“Stars and Stripes”) vs. the Flag of the State of Texas (“Lone Star”);
- the Anthem of the United States (“Star Spangled Banner”) vs the Anthem of the State of Texas (“Texas, Our Texas”);
- or the United States Pledge of Allegiance vs. The State of Texas Pledge of Allegiance.
Essays should include information about when the symbol was created and adopted, what the words or elements of the symbol mean, and how the symbol has changed over time, if applicable.
4th Grade Essay Resources
The following are some suggested resources for the start of student’s research into the topics. It is expected that the student will conduct his/her own independent research beyond these resources. For additional resources please visit the George Memorial Library, your local Fort Bend County Library Branch, your school library and the Fort Bend Museum.
“Stars and Stripes” vs. “Lone Star”:
The History of Texas Flags: From Six Flags Over Texas to the Lone Star Flag [HTML]
The Texas State Flag – The Full History of the Lone Star Texas Flag [HTML]
Origin of the Lone Star Flag [HTML]
Flag of the United States [HTML]
The History of the American Flag [HTML]
“Star Spangled Banner” vs. “Texas, Our Texas”:
The Star-Spangled Banner [HTML]
History.com - The Star-Spangled Banner [HTML]
Texas, Our Texas [HTML]
Texas State Song: History and Significance [HTML]
How did ‘Texas, Our Texas’ become the official state song? [HTML]
U.S. Pledge of Allegiance vs. Texas Pledge of Allegiance:
Pledge of Allegiance [HTML]
The Pledge of Allegiance [HTML]
Pledge of Allegiance to the Texas State Flag [HTML]
How to Fly the Texas Flag Proudly and Properly [PDF]
