OLD GLORY
“I am the flag of the United States of America and my name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world’s tallest buildings, I stand watch in America’s halls of justice. I stand guard majestically over great institutions of learning and I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world.
Look up and see me as I stand for Peace, Honor, Truth, Justice and 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 Adored, I am loved as well as feared.
I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years: Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, in the Persian Gulf and a score of places long forgotten or never known but by all but those who were there with me.
I WAS THERE.
I led my Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. I followed them and watched over them. They loved me. I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima, I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but my Marines and Sailors cheered me, And I was proud.
I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries that I have helped set free, but that does not hurt. However, when I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my own country, by those I have served in battle with, it DOES hurt. 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 a silent witness to all of America’s finest hours.
My finest hour comes when I am torn in strips to be used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the field of battle – when I fly at half mast to honor my Soldiers, my Airman, my Sailors, my Marines, and – when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother, at the graveside of her fallen son or daughter.
I AM PROUD.
My name is “Old Glory.” Long may I wave Proudly!
“Thank You to my fellow Veteran who sent this to me.”
