Old Glory...Long May I Wave...

"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 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 and I am feared!

I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years: Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, The Trenches of France, the Argonne Forrest, Anzio, Rome, the Beaches of Normandy, the Deserts of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, sands of the Persian Gulf...and a score of other places, long forgotten by all, but those who were with Me..... I was there.

I led my soldiers - I followed them - I watched over them - They loved me.

I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima, I was dirty, in battle worn and tired...But my Soldiers cheered me! I was Proud.

I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my own country.... When it is by those whom I have served in Battle.... it hurts! But I shall overcome.... For I am strong! I have slipped the bonds of Earth and from my vantage point on the Moon; I stand watch over the uncharted New Frontiers of Space. I have been silent witness to all of America's Finest Hours. But 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 soldiers...when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving Mother at the grave-side of her fallen son or daughter...