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: