Veteran's Day Blessings~

The following Poem was read aloud at every Navy retirement I ever attended, and it still brings tears to my eyes when I hear a fellow sailor or soldier read it aloud...for to me, not only does it speak of our Flag, but of every man & woman who has ever served our Great Nation.  God Bless our soldiers~ may they all come home to us safe

I AM THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

                                                 ~  By Howard Schnauber

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 institutions of learning.

I stand guard with 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 loved -- I am revered.

I am respected -- and I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war

for more then 200 years.

I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg,

Shiloh and Appomattox.

I was there at San Juan Hill,

the trenches of France,

in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome

and the beaches of Normandy, Guam,

Okinawa, Korea, and Vietnam.

I was there. I led my troops.

I was dirty, battle-weary and tired,

but my soldiers cheered me

And I was proud.

I have been 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 upon, burned, torn

and trampled on the streets of my country.

And when it's by those whom I've served in battle -- it hurts.

But I shall overcome -- for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth

and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space

from my vantage point on the moon.

I have borne silent witness

to all of America's finest hours.

But my finest hours are yet to come.

When I am torn into strips

and used as bandages

for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,

When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,

Or when I lie in the trembling arms

of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,

I am proud.

MY NAME IS "OLD GLORY".

LONG MAY I WAVE.

DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN,

LONG MAY I WAVE.