GREENVILLE, S.C. - TelAve -- Melissa Whiteford St. Clair is proud to announce the Local Gems Press Review Team has selected her poem "What America Means to Me," for inclusion in the "E pluribus unum: A Poetry Anthology for America's 250^th Birthday."

The poem was originally written to accompany a photo for the Rise and Shine: "What America Means To Me" contest through the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). The photo of the Beaufort National Cemetery dressed in Wreaths Across America and accompanying poem submitted by Whiteford St. Clair was chosen as the winner by the Americanism Committee (2022).

"Using poetry, the words flowed easily and immediately to capture the heart of my perspective tying into the photo of our Nation's hero's graves adorned with fresh wreaths," stated Whiteford St. Clair. She continued, "It is an honor to have the poem selected for this publication marking the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence."

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E pluribus unum is a Latin phrase that translates to "Out of many, one." It was the original, de facto national motto of the United States, chosen in 1782 for the Great Seal of the United States to signify the creation of a single, unified nation from the original 13 colonies.

E pluribus unum by Local Gems Press is a patriotic poetry anthology celebrating America's 250th birthday. The book features over 100 poets and highlights verses about the American Dream, the founding fathers, and the U.S. Constitution.

The "E pluribus unum: A Poetry Anthology for America's 250^th Birthday" book published by Local Gems Press is available for purchase ($25.00) by visiting

https://www.localgemspoetrypress.com/store/p58/E_pluribus_unum_w_Shipping.html.

About Melissa Whiteford St. Clair:

Melissa Whiteford St. Clair is a poet and social justice advocate. She is the author of three books of poetry and one workbook. Her poetry has been featured in several anthologies. Her poem "Harriet's Feat to Freedom" was included on the Hilton Head Island Poetry Trail at Mitchelville. She was part of the Piccolo Spoleto Sundown Poetry Series (2025). Connect on social @whitegirladvocacy. For more information, visit http://www.whitegirladvocacy.com.

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About Local Gems Press:
Long Island, NY-based Local Gems Press provides quality verse written by poets from all walks of life as well as other entertaining, inspirational, and educational writings. To learn more, visit https://www.localgemspoetrypress.com/