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... 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 bit 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 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 Forrest, Anzio, Rome,
And the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Korea,
And KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam knows 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 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.
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 soldiers,
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!

by Howard Schnauber

Used with Permission

   

*FAIR USE NOTICE