In honor of Veterans Day 2000 OLD GLORY "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 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 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 worshiped, 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, and Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam,and the Persian Gulf, and a score of places long forgotten, by all but those who were there with me.... I was there! "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! 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 been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my own country and when it is by those I have served in battle with, it hurts. But I shall overcome - for I am strong. "I have slipped the bonds of earth and from my vantage point above, 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 and when I fly at half mast to honor my Soldiers, my Sailors, my Airmen, and my Marines and when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother,at the grave of her fallen son or daughter - I am proud. "My name is OLD GLORY and long may I wave, long may I wave." Author Unknown Lola Butcher Given lolabgiven@citynet.net>