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 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 know 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, torn and
trampled in the streets of my country.
And when it's done 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.