OLD GLORYI 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 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 and Vietnam.
I was there to lead my troops.
I was ragged, but my soldiers cheered me.
I was battleworn and tired but I was proud.
I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped to 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's by those whom I've served in battle -- it hurts. But I shall overcome -- for I am strong.
I have slipped the surly 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 America's finest hours and to her darkest, but my finest hours are yet to come.
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 a fallen son or daughter, I am proud.