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 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, 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 in the streets of my country. And when those whom Ive served with in battle do it - 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.