Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Just feeling grateful this afternoon.

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 Appamatox.
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
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 in the streets of my country.
And when it's done 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,

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

😢

Jim70 Loc: Delaware

Wish this would be taught in our schools!

SteveR Loc: Michigan

One of the greatest displays of the flag is before Michigan football games when ROTC cadets raise the flag while the band plays the Star Spangled Banner. I grew up seeing that great display from the age of five. The game couldn't start unless the flag was flying high.

Bill 45

"Beware of the person who is wearing the flag and carrying a bible" Sinclair Lewis

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

One of the privileges granted to veterans fairly recently is the right to salute the flag during the pledge of allegiance. I, for one, greatly appreciate it.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

gsmith051 Loc: Fairfield Glade, TN

Thank you for that.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Lewis started as an agnostic then became an atheist so he was a bit prejudice on the matter.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

That is salute without a uniform. It used to be those in uniform saluted, those in civvies put their hand over their heart.
So now I can salute instead of being conflicted at the impulse to salute while supposedly not being proper.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Exactly.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Once long ago when I saluted during the flag lowering I had a young officer chew me out because I wasn't wearing head gear while saluting. He said I should have just braced at attention. Good thing I was a nice guy and patient with fools back then because the salute I gave was with an M-14, a loaded M-14. At the other extreme in our HQ unit was our XO - a Lt Col, WW II and Korea vet who would mutter just loud enough for you to hear before getting into salute range "You salute me and make me have to take my hands out of my pockets and return it and you will be on KP for a month."

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I had a cap that the camouflage looked like a butter bar.
An approaching Sgt Major snapped me a smart salute and I returned it smiling.
He said when he saw what happened " Damn I just saluted a junior NCO."
We both laughed and carried on.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I had that happen. I was at Ft Lewis returning from leave to Vietnam and wearing jungle fatigues with the then new camo collar tabs for a spec 5. Just a black blob about the same size as a Lt Col black blob from a distance. I was walking with a couple of pvts who had sleeve stripes and here came a small flock of Nat Guard junior officers, 1st and 2nd Lts. When we got close just before I snapped a salute one of them saluted and the others saluted at the same time I did. As we passed going in opposite directions I heard one mutter something about those damn camo collar tabs. The two privates thought it was hilarious - after we were a safe enough distance for them to laugh.