I am the flag of the
United States of
America.
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 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.
By Howard Schnauber
You
can read a bio about him and see his picture at a web page
from the Fort Collins, Colorado Library. The site
address is:
Thank
you to several readers for letting me know the author of this
beautiful poem, who has now been given credit as the writer.
