The Flag of the United States of America

 

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 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 worshipped - 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, Okinawa, Korea and Khe-San, Saigon, Vietnam know me.

I'm presently in the mountains of Afghanistan and the hot and dusty deserts of Iraq and wherever freedom is needed.

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 in the streets of my country.

And when it's done 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 soldier,

Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent
at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,

I am proud.