You and I are a lot alike, old flag.

We have each been around a long time, 

And the signs of our age, we can no  longer hide.

There were days when we struggled to wave,

When the wind robbed our strength,

And left us hanging, tired and lame.

But there were many other days,

Which we will never forget.

When we stood side by side at attention.

Defiant to our foes,

Our shadows offering protection to those who looked up to us.

We have journeyed together through peacetime and war, old flag.

We have taken hits from shot and shell.

Flown through the smoke and shrapnel of a thousand battles.

And you and I, old flag, bear the scars of our time together.

And we have fulfilled our mission.

Offering strength to the weak, purpose and direction to the lost,

Pride to the downtrodden, and comfort to those who mourn.

I have carried you for so long, you have become a part of me,

But now, Old flag, I must finally lay you down.

My arms are too weary to carry you further.

And it is I who need you to carry me now, old flag.

So cover your old friend here, and give me your warmth and protection.

May your bright stars and perfect stripes bring comfort one last time,

To those who love me.

And in my rest, old flag, I will wait for the day,

When you and I again shall stand high above the ones we love;

Buoyed by the steady winds of freedom,

And strengthened by the love of our God,

Who created us both, one star at a time.

I will miss you, old flag,

But stay here as a reminder to my family and friends of what we stood for,

And what we believed in.

When they look at you, old flag,

Let them see the part of me that can never die, and means the most;

A life of purpose and mission, commitment, and love.

And from time to time, old flag, on sunnier days,

Allow your stars and stripes to wave, and imagine I am there carrying you again.

And never, never give in, but stay aloft for them,

That they might see our love,

And be proud of what we did together…old flag.

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