Happy Forth of July
From Hangtide

OLD GLORY

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 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 and 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 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-staff to honor a 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. LONG MAY I WAVE.


GOD BLESS AMERICA

Author Unknown

I take no credit for writing this