OLD GLORY
Waves Proud And Strong
I pledge Allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible,
with Liberty and Justice for all.
I am the flag of the United States of America.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's Halls of Justice.
I fly majestically over great institutions 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 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 loved, and I am feared!
I have fought in every battle
of every war for more than 200 years:
Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill,
the trenches of France,
the
Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome,
the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea,
Vietnam, the Persian Gulf,
and a score of places long forgotten by all,
but those who were there with me...
I led my Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.
I followed them and 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
that I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have also been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled on the streets of my own country and,
when it is by those whom I have served with in battle-
it hurts.
But I shall overcome, for I am strong!
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and,
from my vantage point on the Moon,
I stand watch over the uncharted new frontiers of Space.
I have been a silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hour comes when I am torn in strips
to be used as bandages for my
wounded comrades on the field of battle
when I fly at half-mast to honor my
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines,
and-when I lie in the trembling arms
of a grieving mother,
at the gravesite of her fallen son or daughter
I am proud.
My name is Old Glory
long may I wave.
Dear God,
long may I wave.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
September 11, 2001
I've known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual
digits of 1776),
but only recently learned why the flag is folded 13
times
when it is lowered or when it is folded
and handed to the widow at the
burial of a veteran.
Here it is
1) The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2) The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
3) The third fold is made in honor and remembrance
of the veterans departing our ranks
who gave a portion of their lives
for the defense
of our country to attain peace
throughout the world.
4) The fourth fold represents our weaker nature,
for as American citizens
trusting in God,
it is to Him we turn in times of peace
as well as in
times
of war for his Divine guidance.
5) The fifth fold is a tribute to our country,
for in the words of Stephen
Decatur,
"Our country, in dealing with other countries may she
always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
6) The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie.
It is with our heart that we
pledge allegiance
to the flag of the United States of America,
and
to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God, indivisible, with
Liberty and Justice for all.
7) The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces,
for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country
and our flag against all
her enemies,
whether they be found within
or without the boundaries of our republic.
8) The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into
the valley of the shadow of death,
that we might see the light of day,
and to honor mother,
for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
9) The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood;
for it has been through their faith, their love,
loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and
women
who have made this country great has been molded.
10) The tenth fold is a tribute to the father,
for he too, has given his sons and daughters
for the defense of our country since they were
first born.
11) The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen
represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon,
and glorifies in their eyes, the God Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
12) The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen,
represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes,
God the Father, the
Son and the Holy Spirit.
13) Then the flag is completely folded,
the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto,
"In God We Trust".
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in,
it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat,
ever reminding us of the soldiers who
served under General George Washington,
and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones,
who were followed by their comrades
and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States,
preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.
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