Old Glory

I am your flag. I represent the United States of America.

I fly over America each day to proudly let the world know "here we are!"

I was "born" June 14, 1777. My first incarnation was with 13 stripes of alternating red and white. A blue field covered by 13 stars.

I have had many incarnations since then up to today's current 50 stars and the same 13 stripes of alternating red and white.

I fly as a symbol of the blood, sweat, and tears shed to defend this great country from all forms of tyranny and threats to our independence.

I have accompanied brave young men and women all over the world as they have fought to keep this country great and to keep her free.

I am known by many names such as Old Glory, Grand old Flag, the Stars and Stripes, the Ensign, Colors, and my favorite - the one that graces our National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner."

My morning colors are hoisted at 8 am (not before sunrise) in the morning when everyone stops, faces me, and renders a hand salute as I am raised.

In the evening at sunset, I am lowered and am rendered the same courtesies.

In between, I keep watch over my country and wave proudly in the breeze to show the world "We Are America!"

When one of my brave warriors dies, I proudly cover their casket until it is ready to be lowered. Then, more of my brave warriors, carefully and lovingly fold me to present me to that warrior's family.

The red of my stripes is to represent valor and strength.

The white stripes represent innocence and purity.

My blue square background for the 50 stars represents perseverance and justice.

There have been many songs sung about me besides "The Star Spangled Banner."

Many are the songs that have been written about me. Just a few are:

America the Beautiful

My Country 'Tis of Thee

You're a Grand Old Flag

God Bless America

God Bless the U.S.A

and so many more.

I have been into every battle America has been in.

I have been shot at.

I have been dragged through the mud.

I have been stomped on.

I have been set on fire.

No matter what, I still proudly wave on your behalf to the world.

You can never truly know the power that I possess or the strength of this country I represent unless or until you have the great honor to render honors at the funeral of one of this country's great warriors by folding me and presenting me to their family.

This country has seen tough times. Times of strife. Times of war. Times of rebellion. Times of treason. And yet, this country and myself have always pulled through with the United States of America.

Now is not the time to let that end.

Stand tall America. Stand proud America. Stand strong America.

I am still flying high and proclaiming to the world "Here we are. We are America!"