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 bit 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, battleworn 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.
Dear God in heaven:
Long may I wave.


~ By: Howard Schnauber ~

Howard is a veteran of WWII and fought in the Pacific.

Learn more about him at
http://library.ci.fort-collins.co.us/local_history/topics/WWII/hist3b15.htm

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