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 Forrest. Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy ,
Guam, Okinowa, Korea and
Khe San, 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.
