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 Hall 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 loved, and I am feared!

I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years: Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, the Philippines, Germany, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and a score of places long forgotten by all but those who were there with me.  I was there!

I led my soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.  I followed them and watched over them. They loved me.  I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima.  I was dirty, battle-torn 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 that 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 own country.  When those whom I have served with in battle do it, it hurts.  But I shall overcome, for I am strong!  I have slipped the bonds of earth and from my vantage point on the moon; I stand watch over the un-charted new frontiers of space.

I am a silent witness to all of America's finest hours.  But my finest hour comes when I am torn in strips to be used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the field of battle, when I fly at half-mast to honor my soldiers, my sailors, my airmen, my marines, and when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother, at the gravesite of her fallen son or daughter.  I am proud!

My name is "OLD GLORY!"  Long may I wave, dear God, long may I wave.