Some people call me Old Glory, others
call me the Star-Spangled Banner, but
whatever they call me, I am your
flag, the flag of the United States
of America.
I remember some time ago people lined
up on both sides of the street to
watch the parade, and naturally, I
was always there, proudly waving in
the breeze.
When your daddy saw me coming, he
immediately removed his hat and
placed it over his heart. Remember?
And you, I remember you standing
there straight as a soldier. You
didn't have a hat, but you were
giving the right salute.
Remember your little sister? Not to
be outdone, she was saluting the same
as you, with her hand over her heart.
Remember? What happened? I'm still
the same old flag. Oh, I have added a
few more stars since you were a boy,
and a lot more blood has been shed
since those parades of long ago. But
I don't feel as proud as I used to.
When I come down your street, you
just stand there with your hands in
your pockets. I may get a small
glance, but then you look away.
I see children running around and
shouting. They don't seem to know who
I am. I saw one man take off his hat
and look around. He didn't see
anybody else with his hat off, so he
quickly put his back on. Is it a sin
to be patriotic? Have you forgotten
what I stand for and where I've been?
Anzio, Normandy, Omaha Beach,
Guadacanal, Korea, and Vietnam. Take
a look at the memorial honor rolls
some time. Look at the names of those
who never came back in order to keep
this republic free. One nation under
God. When you salute me, you are
actually saluting them.
Well, it won't be long until I'll be
coming down your street again. So,
when you see me, stand straight and
place your right hand over your
heart.
I'll salute you by waving back.
And I'll know that you remembered.
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