Elanee Smythe
Elanee Ruth Rose Smythe’s poem captures the heart of the American historical experience. The poem starts with the foundational events at the birth of our nation and bridges to viewing the growing nation from the perspective of the Stars and Stripes (the American flag). Her poem won the National Flag Day Contest in 2011. Jack Janik the President of the National Flag Foundation stated, 'This poem should be on the front page of every paper in this country!' Evan Nehemiah Lewis Smythe (Elanee’s younger brother) is a celebrated artist, having won numerous art contests. In 2013 he won the Oregon Right to Life Art Contest which received over 130 entrants. He has also, won and/or placed in the top 4 for (4) years in a row in the Oregon Humane Society Art Contest (which receives over 2,500 entrants each year). His winning art pieces have been used in various ad campaigns. Three of the judges stated, 'Evan is a Norman Rockwell of our day.'Elanee and Evan, hope that you find this book to be a delight for both young and old. Their hope is that this poem becomes a family tradition to read every Flag Day and on the 4th of July, in honor of our great nation, the United States of America. May the Lord use this poem for His Glory, as He truly has been the one that has brought such great blessings upon our nation and has kept and preserved us! 3