My Name Is Old Glory
by Don S. Miller
(1983 Copyright)
(Howard
Schnauber and Ray M. Coach have
copyrights issued later - see below)
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,
and a score of places long forgotten by
all but 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 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 the streets of my country,
and when it is by those with whom I have
served in battle . . . it hurts.
But I shall overcome . . . for I am
strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth
and stand watch over the uncharted new
frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.
I have been a silent witness to all of
America's finest hours.
But my finest hour comes
when I am torn into strips to be used
for bandages
for my wounded comrades on the field of
battle.
when I fly at half mast to honor my
soldiers...
and when I lie in the trembling arms
of a grieving mother at the graveside of
her fallen son.
I am proud.
My name is Old Glory.
Dear God . . . Long may I wave!
Don S. Miller, USAF SMSgt.
(Retired)
Copyright
#PAu000540162 (1983-08-29) |
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Editor's Note...
Don Miller is listed
as the primary author due to
the oldest copyright and USA Patriotism! being
contacted directly about his copyright.
Two other
authors also have later issued copyrights associated
with this poem...
Howard Schnauber, USMC WWII Veteran - Copyright: TXu000695891 /
1995-08-28
Howard Schnauber during an interview
on November 17, 1994 ... mentioned writing a poem about the
flag. And while he never stated the title, he
provided a copy of this poem to the interviewer.
Ray
M. Coach - Copyright: TXu000350470 / 1988-12-19
All three authors will be
referenced until author legal rights are fully
known.
Contact USA Patriotism! via email with
documented "legal" evidence that clearly
indicates the original author ... Any response
by USA Patriotism! will only be by email.
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