I Am the Flag

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 was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomatox
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 know 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 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

Today is Flag Day. We celebrate both the adoption of our flag and the birthday of the U.S. Army.  Our flag is more than just a piece of cloth.  It symbolizes the history of our nation, the hopes and ideals of our Founders, the promise of something better, and the heart of the American People.  For me, it is all of that and more.  It is the symbol of my Republic, my Constitution, and my oath to support and defend that Constitution.  It has ridden my shoulder as I have served and fought for my nation.  When I pass, it will be the last mortal cover laid over me as I am consigned back to my God and maker.

Take time today to consider the true meaning behind our Flag.  If it is in you, commit yourself to defend the hopes and ideals that Flag represents from the decay infecting our Nation.  God Bless you and God Bless the U.S.A.!

 Stand strong, Patriots! No Compromise, No Surrender!