Flag Day

American Flag, Star Spangled Banner

I am the Flag

By Howard Schnauber

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 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 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 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 knows me.I was there.

I led my troops.I was dirty, battleworn 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, tornand trampled on the streets of my 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 soldier,

Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parentat the grave of their fallen son or daughter, I am proud.

My name is 'Old Glory'!

Long may I waveo'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.