Written by Theresa Thompson

I, AM, THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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 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 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 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 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 soiled upon, 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 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 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



PLEASE FORWARD MY MESSAGE TO ALL WHO STILL LOVE AND RESPECT ME,
THAT I MAY FLY PROUDLY FOR ANOTHER TWO HUNDRED YEARS.







page © mlm 2001-2004



Patroitic Index

~Index to Poems~