June 14 is Flag Day

I am the flag of the United States of America.
My nickname is "Old Glory".
I fly atop America's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in her halls of Justice.
I fly majestically over her institutions of learning.
I stand guard with her 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.
I am arrogant.

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 - I am feared.

I have fought in every battle of every war for over 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburgh, Shiloh, Appomattox.
I was there at San Juan Hill.

In the trenches of France,
In the Argonne Forest,
Anzio, Rome, and the beaches of Normandy,
Guam, Okinawa, Korea, Khe San, Saigon, Viet Nam know me.

I was there.

I led my troops.  I was dirty, battleworn, 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, and trampled on
  in the streets of my country.
And when it is 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 frontier of space
  from my vantage point on the Moon

I have borne witness to all of America's finest hours
  and to her deepest shames.

But my finest hour is 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 soldiers;
Or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent
  at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,

I am proud.