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 than 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, KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam - now 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 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
unchartered 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.