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 great institutions of learning.

I stand guard with the greatest military 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 loved, and I am feared!

I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years:
Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, in the Persian Gulf,
and a score of places long forgotten by all but those who were there with me.

I was there!

I led my soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.

I followed them and watched over them. They loved me.

I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima.

I was dirty, battle-worn and tired.

But my soldiers cheered me!

And I was proud!

I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled on the streets of countries that I have helped set free.

It does not hurt - for I am invincible.

I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my own country, and when it is by those whom I have served with in battle, it hurts - for I am their own.

But I shall overcome.

For I am strong!

I have slipped the bonds of earth and from my vantagepoint on the moon,

I stand watch over the uncharted new frontiers of space.

I have been a silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hour comes when I am torn in strips to be used as bandages,
For healing my wounded comrades on the field of battle;
when I fly at half mast to honor my soldiers, my sailors,
my airmen, my Marines, and my Coast Guardsmen;
and when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother,
at the graveside of her fallen son or daughter.

I am proud.

My name is "Old Glory" long may I wave, dear God, long may I wave!

Author unknown: