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 distinguished.
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 but to God!
I am recognized all over the world.
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, Saigon, Vietnam.
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 strong.
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 does hurt;
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

Thanks to Howard Ohlson for sending me this tribute to our flag.