Old glory

I was going through my articles I have collected over the years and found this little gem. The author is unknown.

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 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 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 on the streets of my 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.

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.

MY NAME IS OLD GLORY
LONG MAY I WAVE.
DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN
LONG MAY I WAVE.