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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 great institutes of learning. I stand guard with the greatest military 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 respected . . . I am revered . . . I am loved . . . And I am feared.
I have fought every battle of every war for more than 200 years . . . Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomatox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, the deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Philippines, the rice paddies and jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Guadalcanal, New Britain, Peleliu, and many more islands.
And a score of places long forgotten by all those who were with me. I was there.
I led my soldiers . . . I followed them . . . I watched over them . . .They loved me.
I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima. I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me, and I was proud.
I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled on in the streets of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled on in the streets of my country, and when it is by those whom I have served in battle - it hurts. But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch |
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