King of Hearts's blog: "Bethea's Byte"

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 than 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 know me.

I am presently in the mountains of Afghanistan
and the hot and dusty deserts of Iraq and wherever freedom is needed.
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 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 the flag of the United States of America.  Long may I wave,  Dear God long may I wave.

"My Name is Old Glory" by Howard Schnauber © 1994 used by permission