The Story Of "Old Glory"  This famous name was coined by Captain Stephen Driver, a shipmaster of Salem, Massachusetts in 1831 ... 



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 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 loved, and I am feared!



I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years: Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, in 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, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.



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 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 - for I am their own.



But I shall overcome.



For I am strong!



I have slipped the bonds of earth and from my vantagepoint 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 healing my wounded comrades on the field of battle; when I fly at half mast to honor my soldiers, my sailors, my airmen, my Marines, and my Coast Guardsmen; and when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother, at the graveside of her fallen son or daughter.



I am proud.



My name is "Old Glory" long may I wave, dear God, long may I wave!

	



Old Glory