Flag Day

I Am Old Glory

I am the flag of the United States of America.

I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.

I stand watch in America's halls of justice.

I stand side by side with the Maple Leaf on

the worlds' longest undefended border.

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 KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me,

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 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.

MY NAME IS OLD GLORY. LONG MAY I WAVE.

by Howard Schnauber