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 then 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomatox.
I was there at San Juan Hill,
The trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest,
Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy.
The deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Philippines,
Guam, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.
Operation Desert Storm and Operation Freedom.
And 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 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 soldiers,
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.

Author: Howard Schnauber
Adapted: 2004

And now Old Glory is leading
One of America's finest sons
To Fallujah, Iraq.

Pvt. Clinton Ray Garner
RSS 2nd Squadron
2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment

We're praying that Old Glory
Will lead you safely back home.

Leave a message for Clinton in our Guestbook
View | Sign