Today we are looking for contemporary icons. I have selected the following three icons as an example of contemporary icons that everyone can admire and respect. The icons are the Statue of Liberty, the National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The first icon I selected was the statue of Liberty. I believe everyone that lives in the United States or claims to be American can appreciate this as a true icon. The statue of liberty is a symbol of independence and democracy. The Statue of Liberty has been standing since October 1886, and still today represents more than just independence, it represents sacrifices of American soldiers to provide this freedom we have today. The Statue of Liberty is located on Ellis Island, and both will remain a national monument until they are torn down or they fall down. Just to be able to see her standing holding her torch gives you an awesome feeling inside. Knowing that so many people have died trying to provide a wonderful land to grow and be free in.

The next icon I chose was the National Anthem. To me this is a symbol of excellence and dedication. Francis Scott Key wrote this as he watched the American Flag wave in the twilight over Fort McHenry. We sing the national anthem at the beginning of every major sporting event and at every military ceremony. The national anthem is a very memorable song that can represent many things. Being in the military, the national anthem makes me proud to be an American and defend this great nation.

Finally I chose the Pledge of Allegiance as a symbol of an contemporary icon. Growing up in school, you said the pledge of allegiance every morning before class started. Today they are trying to ban the pledge because of the words in it. To me and many others the Pledge of Allegiance is a symbol of honor and loyalty to our country. By banning this in schools only tells us that you no longer have to be loyal or have honor for what you believe in . The Pledge of Allegiance should always be something looked at as a short oath to protect and serve this great nation. The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy, and even though it is over 100 years old, it still has a strong and powerful meaning.

Overall my three choices of contemporary icons, the Statue of Liberty, the National anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance all represent a great tradition of freedom and liberty. Even though all three are very old I still feel they are contemporary icons because the will always be a lasting part of our country.

References:
National anthem. (2008, April 10). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:47, April 10, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=National_anthem&oldid=204730456
Pledge of Allegiance. (2008, April 7). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:58, April 10, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pledge_of_Allegiance&oldid=203895777
Statue of Liberty, updated December 31, 2007: http://www.nps.gov/stli/