Posted by TerryS (24.24.79.72) on September 12, 2001 at 18:41:31:
Shared by Gregg Houser of San Diego, California...
I AM THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
My name is Old Glory.
I used to fly atop the world's tallest buildings but for today.
Today, I fly at half-mast in honor of those Americans who were taken today.
I will continue to stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I will continue to fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I will continue to stand guard with the power of united strength.
Look up and you will still see me.
Those who attack our shores,
Cannot make me fall.
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 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 then 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 by those who would tear me asunder.
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,
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 but my strength is in the American heart.
LONG MAY I WAVE.