Her autobiography:
Tara Ulmer is a homeschooled graduate who resides with her parents and two brothers in Chapin, South Carolina. Her interests include reading, writing, learning Spanish, spending time with friends and family, and helping others. She is involved with her youth group and enjoys tutoring underprivileged children. In the fall, she will be attending Freed Hardeman University in Tennessee where she will be furthering her studies in Spanish.

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The bright red, white, and blue cloth snapped in the warm September breeze. Clinging to the middle of a tall pole that reached toward the clear blue sky, it shone in the morning sun. Throughout the many years that it had flown there, few people had actually noticed the flag. Its stars and stripes were just another feature to grace the front of the formidable structure that lay behind the pole. However, those passing by today seemed to be more aware of the flag. Some paused as they passed. Looking upward, they would shade their eyes and gaze at the banner with a look of solemn reverence. In some eyes, tears gathered. On some faces, angry looks formed. On others, sadness and confusion distorted their features. In each heart, something stirred. After the moment of silent grief had played out, the people would continue on their way. Not as hurriedly or absent-mindedly as usual. Something had changed in them. Perhaps it was recalling the grief of watching thousands of their fellow Americans die. Or the realization of the frailty of life. Or, maybe, it was the awareness of liberty and its price. Whatever it was that moved them, the flag that hung high above their heads served as a reminder. Really, that is the purpose of the Stars and Stripes: to unite and to remind. As long as it flies, we will not be allowed to forget who we are.

During the years when England still ruled the New World, discontent stirred in the midst of the colonists. As time went by, whispers of liberty and independence spread. Hidden away in quiet places where none could overhear, discussions were held and plans were made. The number of these secret meetings grew and the circle of those involved extended out further into society. With increased numbers, the people became bolder and their talk louder. They yearned for freedom for themselves, but more importantly, for their children. As the days slipped by, it became evident that in order to acquire that much longed for freedom, a war might be necessary. It was a great price to pay: the loss of human life. However, in the colonists' minds, liberty was worth it. War did erupt, a bloody war that would demand many lives. Colonists throughout the New World were willing to give their own lives in exchange for a free nation. However, George Washington, the wise leader of the Colonial army, knew that in order to have victory the battle would require more than simply desire. He realized that the people had to be completely united in the fight. That meant that they had to stop fighting under different flags, which at the time was causing confusion. A standard was needed in order to present a united front against the British and to remind the soldiers of the task at hand: to fight for the right to create a free nation. So the men put away the various banners they had brought from their home colonies and proudly carried the flag of red, white, and blue that represented a new nation and a new way of life. They were ready to fight as one.

The flag that was created during those tumultuous days still flies today. Its appearance has changed, as has the nation it represents. It has seen a lot in its years of existence. It has looked down upon bloody battles, but also, upon peaceful towns. It has seen the rise of a great nation, its struggles, and its triumphs. It has mourned with a hurting people when tragedy has struck and waved proudly in the hands of the hopeful. It strives, through it all, to unite the people of its land. The flag is a symbol of the unity the early Americans had, a unity that allowed them to fight together to win a victory that changed the course of the world. Perhaps that is why it so touched our hearts in the days following the September 11th attacks. We looked at the flag and were comforted to know that we are not alone. We realized that we are a part of something much larger than our own individual lives and we don't have to fight our battles alone. Our enemy may be great, but together, we are greater by far. We resolved in those days of grief that we could face whatever the future held, because we were a strong, united nation.

Our banner flies to remind us, not only of our unity, but also of our liberty. The pages of history are filled with stories of brave men and women who sacrificed much in the name of freedom. From the past loom great heroes along with quiet reformers whose acts of unselfish devotion to their country have provided us with the freedom we enjoy today. The flag flies to remind us of those people, so that we never forget how precious the gift they gave us is. If we forget, we are destined to become as we were before our independence. As we recall the blood they spilt for our sake and the work it took to add each star in that field of blue, we should be stirred to realize our part in preserving our independence. Thomas Paine, whose political pamphlet Common Sense played a vital role in encouraging the writing of the Dedaration of Independence, said, "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it." If we want to hold on to the liberty that we have enjoyed for so long, we must be willing to fight for it. The flag serves as a reminder of the huge responsibility we bear.

A lot changed that bright September day two years ago. We were hurt, but from our hurt grew a greater appreciation for the things that make this nation strong. We flew our flags proudly and sang our national anthem with tears in our eyes. But when time has dissipated the pain and we barely remember that terrible day, what will happen to our patriotism? Will we have forgotten and become an apathetic people? The destiny of a nation that no longer remembers the past and has no thought for the ffiture is a frightening thing to consider. It faces the prospect of returning to its years of tyranny and bondage. Those who forget where they have come from can so easily lose sight of where they are going. The red, white, and blue flag will still wave in the sky and for all those who stop to look at it, it will remind them. It will remind them of our unity, liberty, and our responsibility to preserve both of these precious things. It stands as a symbol of our nation and a reminder of who we are. It stands to remind us, lest we forget.