Today is flag day. A quiet day that doesn't seem to be much more than two little words on the calendar to many a youth. Upon that observation let me share something that I received in an email from an old friend.
I Am Old Glory
I am old glory; for
more
the 9 score years I have been the banner of hope and freedom for
generation
after generation of Americans. Born amid the first flames of
America's
fight for freedom, I am the symbol of a country that has grown
from a
little group of 13 colonies to a united nation of 50 sovereign
states.
Planted firmly on the high pinnacle of American Faith, my gently
fluttering
folds have proved an inspiration to untold millions. Men have
followed
me into battle with unwavering courage. They have looked upon me
as a
symbol of national unity. They have prayed that they and their
fellow
citizens might continue to enjoy the life, liberty and pursuit
of happiness,
which have been granted to every American as the heritage of
free men.
So long as men love liberty more than life itself, so long as
they treasure
the priceless privileges bought with the blood of our
forefathers; so
long as the principles of truth, justice and charity for all
remain deeply
rooted in human hearts, I shall continue to be the enduring
banner of
the United States of America.
I Am Your Flag
I am faith. It is I who keep men mindful of their priceless heritage, life, liberty, and the right to pursue happiness.
I am hope. I represent the land of promise wherein, already, man's loftiest dreams have approached closer to realization than ever before on this earth.
I am life. Each strand and fiber of my being is a memorial, dedicated to the sacrifices of all those strong men and steadfast women who have lived and died in the nation's service, that it might live forever.
I am tolerance. So long as I shall wave, all people under my protection may freely worship, think, write and speak, undaunted by the shadow of fear.
I am justice, tempered with mercy. For I am friend to the oppressed and downtrodden of every land.
I am a sign of the future. I wave over schools throughout the nation and in them the nation's future is molded.
I am the flag of the United States... the last... the best hope for peace on earth.
Remember Our Flag
author unknown
Somewhere a bugle softly
sounds
The message of renown,
And men inside their buildings wait
Until the flag comes down
And others run to get their cars,
Quite harrowed or dismayed,
Afraid they will not reach the gate
Before retreat is played-
Not thinking of the flag or the men
Who fought to keep it flying
How many would be glad to stand,
Whose bodies are now mute,
Or have no hand they might raise
And stand in proud salute
So accept it not as duty
But a privilege even more
And receive it as an honor
Instead of just a chore
The message of renown,
And men inside their buildings wait
Until the flag comes down
And others run to get their cars,
Quite harrowed or dismayed,
Afraid they will not reach the gate
Before retreat is played-
Not thinking of the flag or the men
Who fought to keep it flying
How many would be glad to stand,
Whose bodies are now mute,
Or have no hand they might raise
And stand in proud salute
So accept it not as duty
But a privilege even more
And receive it as an honor
Instead of just a chore
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