"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 great institutions of learning, I stand guard with the greatest military 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 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, by all but those who were there with me. I was there!
I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima, I was dirty, battle worn and tired - but my soldiers cheered me! - and I was proud!
I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on in the streets of countries that I have helped to set free. This does not hurt - for I am invincible.
I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on in the streets of my own country - and when it is by those with whom I have served in battle, it hurts.
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. But 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, and - when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother or spouse, at the graveside of their fallen loved one.
I am proud. My name is "Old Glory" - long may I wave, dear God, long may I wave."