When I look at the American flag, I see the diverse states that make up this magnificent country. All 50 states are unique in culture and geography, yet they all blend together to become the United States of America. Having traveled to almost all of the states in America, I can say first hand that each one has something special about it that no other state has. Every star and stripe that the flag contains is a symbol to the states and their importance to the country as a whole.

From the vast beauty of the Sequoias and Yosemite in California to the luscious beaches on the east coast, there is a place for everyone in the United States of America. As opposed to other countries, climate ranges throughout America. If people enjoy immense cities, they can live there. If people enjoy rural areas they can live there, and if they want somewhere in between, they can live in the suburbs. The flag represents the fact that no matter where you choose to live, everyone is still part of the same country.

Every state has their own state and national parks, monuments, cities, and universities. Last summer, I took a trip out west and I was shocked by how different states that were right next to each other were. Wyoming is nothing like Montana, yet both are breath-taking. Utah had such a different landscape compared to its surrounding states - Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada. Each state has their own one-of-a-kind beauty. Utah and Colorado are right next to each other, but there is not that rich red color in the formations of Colorado as there is in Utah.

The states’ diverseness means opportunity for Americans - opportunity to live in an area where they can have a successful and fulfilled life. Though every state has their own culture and geography to offer, when we pledge allegiance to the same flag, reminding us that we aren’t so different after all.