I am the Flag

Today in church a guy bore his testimony and shared a poem that is read at special events of honor in the military. It reminded me how strongly the spirit is connected with our country and its history. My eyes couldn't help but fill up with tears when he read this poem, especially because it was read with so much emotion and personal experience. A quiet reverance took over the room as he shared these special words. I thought I would share it with all of you in honor of this special day to celebrate our amazing country and freedom.

                                                                         ~ I AM THE FLAG ~

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 Appamatox.
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 KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me.
I was there.
I led my troops,
I was dirty, battleworn and tired,
But my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled on in 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 in the streets of my country.
And when it's done 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. 

I am so grateful to have been blessed enough to be born in this country with all the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy. I have incredible respect and gratitude for the brave, valiant people in the military who sacrifice so much to defend its glory.