I Am Old Glory

I was blessed to grow up in a school where Veteran's Day was one of the most solemn days of the year. We were excused from classes for a mandatory assembly, that many people considered a free pass. A few hours to goof off, hang out with our friends, and be free from schoolwork for awhile. While some continued to hold that mindset when "Taps" was played and the flags were presented, many were drawn in by the pomp and circumstance, and were reminded of just what this day is all about - why we were gathered together, with our teachers, classmates, and revered members of both our Armed Forces and our community. One of my favorite parts of our ceremony was the candle lighting, where a candle was lit for each branch of this nation's military. I was lucky enough to be a part of the candle lighting for three years, representing the United States Air Force, Marines, and Army, respectively. 

While the assembly did not take long to bring me to tears, it took others a little longer. The one thing that could usually be counted on to silence the room and make us all shed a few tears was the reading of a poem. A poem that, whether you have known a veteran or not, you could relate to on a very personal level. A poem that reminds us of the answer to the question we sometimes find ourselves asking, "Do these soldiers even know what they're fighting for?" 

The answer is yes. Yes, they do. 
They are fighting for me, for you, and for the namesake of this poem - Old Glory. 



"I Am 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 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 Appomattox.
I was there at San Juan Hill,
the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome
and the beaches of Normandy, Guam,
Okinawa, Korea, and Vietnam.
I was there. I led my troops.
I was dirty, battle-weary 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 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. 



Today we remember, we thank, we pray, and we love. 
God bless.