My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop some of 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 secure.
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is little higher, my colors a little truer.
I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am honored, I am saluted.
I am loved, I am revered.
I am respected, 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 in the trenches of France and in the Argonne Forest.
I was there on the beaches of Normandy, Guam and Okinawa.
Korea and 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.
When I was torn into strips
and used as bandages
for my wounded on the battlefield,
I was proud.
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 faller son or daughter,
I am proud.
I have been burned, torn and trampled
on the streets of countries I have helped to set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled upon
in 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.
MY NAME IS OLD GLORY
LONG MAY I WAVE.
DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN
LONG MAY I WAVE.
Author Unknown
