Friday, July 4, 2014

I Am The Flag Of The United States Of America


My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.

Look up at me and see me.
I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.  I am confident.
I am arrogant.  I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is a little higher, my colors
 a little truer. I bow to no one!

I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshiped - I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.
I am respected - and I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every
war for more then 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge,
 Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox.
I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France,
 in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the
 beaches of Normandy, Guam. 
And yes, Okinawa, Korea, Khe Sanh & Saigon.

Yes, I was there.  I led my troops.
I was dirty, battle worn and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me
and I was proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled
on the streets of countries
I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.

I have been soiled upon, burned, torn
and trampled on the streets of my country.
And when it's by those whom
I've served in battle - it hurts.
But I shall overcome - for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth
and stood watch over the uncharted
frontiers of space from my vantage
point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness
to all of America's finest hours. 

But my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips and used as bandages
for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldiers,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving
parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter, I am proud.

My name is Old Glory, long may I wave.
Dear God in heaven, long may I wave.