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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 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, on 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.
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..MAY I FLY PROUDLY FOR ANOTHER
TWO HUNDRED YEARS.
My Name is Old Glory
by Howard Schnauber
the Fort Collins Public Library Local History Archive, Oral History Interview of Mr. Howard Schnauber, the author
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