OLD GLORY

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. I am recognized all over the world. I am worshipped - I am loved - and I am feared.

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, the Persian Gulf, and most recently Bosnia. Along with scores of places long forgotten by all but those who were there with me. I WAS THERE!

I led my Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. I followed them and watched over them. They LOVED me! I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima, I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but my Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines cheered me, and I WAS PROUD!

I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries that I have helped set free. It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my own country - and when this happens to me by those whom I have served with in battle, it hurts tremendously!

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 into strips to be used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the fields of battle - when I fly at half mast to honor my Soldiers, my Sailors, my Airmen, my Marines - or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother, father, wife, son, daughter or any loved one at the graveside of a fallen military member.

I am PROUD! My name is "OLD GLORY" - long may I wave. Dear God, Long may I wave!!!