I am the Flag of the America

In the Public Domain on the Internet

Published in the March 2002 Issue of Anvil Magazine

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 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, battleworn 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 in the streets of my own country.
And when it's done 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.

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