I AM 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 Appamatox.
   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, and Saigon,
   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 surly 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!