God bless our flag

 

I am the FLAG of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory. I flew 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 worshiped - 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 Appromatox.
I was there at San Juan Hill,
the trenches of France,
in the Ardonne Forest, Anzio, Rome,
and the Beaches of Normandy, Guam,
Okinawa, Korea and Khesan, Saigon, Vietnam.
I was there.

I led 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 to set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.

I have been soiled upon, burned, torn
and trampled on the streets of my own 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 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
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.

My name is Old Glory.
Long may I wave.
Dear God in Heaven...
LONG MAY I WAVE!