Old Glory

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 great institutions of learning.
I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world. Look up 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 held a little
higher, my colors a little truer.

I bow to no one!!!!

I am recognized all over the world.

I am worshipped - I am saluted - I am respected - I am revered.

I am loved - I am feared!!!

For more than 200 years, I have fought every battle
of every war; Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the
trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the Beaches of
Normandy, the jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Tarawa, Korea, Vietnam, the heat of
the Persian Gulf, and a score of other places..

Long forgotten by all, but those who were there with me.
I was there!!!

I led my sailors and marines.

I followed them, I watched over them, they loved me.

I was on a small hill on Iwo Jima.

I was dirty, battle torn and tired, but my sailors
and marines cheered me!!!

I was proud!!!

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

I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on in the streets of
my own country. and when it is done by those with whom
I have served in battle, it hurts!!!

But I shall overcome, for I am strong!!!

I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, and from my
vantage point on the moon, I stand watch over the new frontiers of
space.

I have been silent witness to all of America's finest hours. My
finest hour comes when I am torn into strips to be used as bandages for my
wounded comrades on the field of battle, when I fly half mast to
honor my sailors and marines, and when I lie in the trembling arms of a
grieving mother at the gravesite of her fallen son or daughter.

I am proud!!!

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