Who Knew Rebar Would be the Answer: Bridging the Gap by Karl

Who Knew Rebar Would be the Answer: Bridging the Gap by Karl - January 2024 Scholarship Essay

My hometown of Woodburn, Oregon is very diverse. We have a majority Latino population, a conservative Russian Old Believer community, and the state’s largest retirement community. There has been a lot of divisiveness and disconnect between these groups. Through Scouting, I have been given an opportunity to bridge this gap.

Since I was eight I have placed over 5,000 American flags in yards and on businesses throughout Woodburn, primarily in Senior Estates, for four national holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day, Flag Day, and Veterans Day. While thankfully the majority of the actual groundwork has been in fair weather, I have had my fair share of miserable experiences too. I have posted flags in downpours that made me wonder if I would ever be dry again. Other times I wanted to lay down and curl into a ball and hide from the stern gaze of a hot, burning sun; again completely soaked but with sweat. At times I have nodded off as we drove between neighborhoods late at night wanting nothing more than to fall asleep with my forehead nestled against the window. But time and time again, even with feet dragging, I have pounded rebar into the hard ground with a sledgehammer for the flags to be mounted on. Even running between houses to go faster, trying to keep a smile on my face. As I have posted flags even when I wasn’t excited about it, it has transformed me and helped me show gratitude for the veterans who so selflessly served our country.

As I look back, posting flags throughout my community has helped me connect with many wonderful retirees who have often felt overlooked and undervalued by people in our community. Many express deep gratitude for the flags I set up and the respect I show to both them and the United States. One time, when we were posting a flag at a house, the resident who lived there opened the door and told us to come over. She had baked cookies that day for me and wanted to show gratitude in the best way she knew how. Another time a gentleman approached me in a store, recognizing me and thanking me for the service I provided. Posting flags shows them that some youth do care about what they have done for the United States and its people. Because of this, many also ask me to retire torn and tattered flags. All of this is helping to build a bridge between the younger and older generations in Woodburn.

For most of my school career, I have been the only one to stand during the Pledge of Allegiance, many kids choosing not to stand. When people ask why I stand I respond that I stand out of appreciation for the many individuals who have made sacrifices so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have today. Many of my peers don’t think about this due to a lack of connection with those who have sacrificed on behalf of the United States. When I stand and say the Pledge, I help others see what they did not see before. Both posting flags and vocalizing my appreciation for the people who have helped maintain our national freedom is one way I have helped bridge the divide in my community.