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 at me 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 than 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 all 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.
When it is 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.
