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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 institutes 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 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 respected, I am revered, I am
loved, and I am feared.
I have fought every battle of every war for more
than 200 years:
Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the
trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome,
the beaches of Normandy, the deserts of Africa, the
cane fields of the Philippines, the rice paddies and
jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam,
Guadalcanal, New Britain, Peleliu, and many more
islands, as well as a score of places long forgotten
by all but those who were with me. I was there. I
led my soldiers. I followed them. I watched over
them. They loved me. I was on a small hill on 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 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
country, and when it is by those with whom I have
served in battle - it hurts. But I shall overcome -
for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stand watch
over the uncharted new frontiers of space from my
vantage point on the moon. I have been a silent
witness to all of America's finest hours. But my
finest hour comes when I am torn into strips to be
used for bandages for my wounded comrades on the
field of battle.
When I fly at half-mast to honor my soldiers, and
when I lie in the trembling arms of grieving parents
at the graveside of their fallen son or daughter, I
am proud.
My name is Old Glory. Dear God - Long may I wave.
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