I'm Still The Same Old Flag!

Hello, remember me?
Some people call me Old Glory,
others call me Stars and Stripes;
I have been referred to as the
Star Spangled Banner.

But whatever they call me, I am your
Flag, or as I proudly state... the
Flag of the United States of America.

There is something that has been
bothering me, so I thought I might
talk it over with you... because
it's about you and me.

I remember some time ago, I think
it was Memorial Day, people were
lined up on both sides of the street
to watch the parade. The town's high
school band was behind me, and
naturally, I was leading the parade.

When your Daddy saw me coming
along, waving in the breeze, he
immediately removed his hat and
placed it against his left shoulder
so that his right hand was
directly over his heart.
Remember?

And you, Yes, I remember you.
Standing there straight as a soldier.
You didn't have a hat, but you were
giving the correct salute.

They taught you in school to place
your right hand over your heart.
Remember little sister? Not to be
outdone, she was saluting the same
as you. Oh, I was very proud as I
came down your street.

There were some soldiers home on
leave and they were standing at
attention giving their military
salute. Also, some V.F.W. veterans
with their caps at jaunty angles
were saluting smartly. Ladies as
well as men, paid me
the reverence I deserve.

Now, I may sound a little conceited.
Well, I am. I have a right to be,
because I represent the finest
country in the world...
the United States of America.

More than one aggressive nation
has tried to haul me down, but
they all felt the fury of this
freedom loving country.

Remember...many of you
had to go overseas to defend me.

What has happened?
I'm still the same old Flag.
Oh, I've had a couple more stars
added since you were a boy. A lot
more blood has been shed since that
Memorial Day parade long ago.

Dad is gone now, The home town has a
new look. The last time I came down
your street, I saw that some of the
old landmarks were gone, but in
their place, shinning majestically
in the sun, were a number of new
buildings and homes. Yes sir, the
old home town has changed.

But now... I don't feel as proud
as I used to. When I come down your
street, you just stand there with
your hands in your pockets
and give me a small glance.
Then look or turn away.

When I think of all the places
I've been...
Ansio, Guadalcanal, Battle of the Bulge,
Korea, and Vietnam,
I wonder what's happened?
I'm still the same old Flag.

But now I see children running around
and shouting as I pass by.
They don't seem to know who I am.
I saw an old man take his hat off,
and then look around. He didn't see
anybody else with theirs off,
so he quickly put his back on.

Is it a sin
to be an American anymore?

Have you forgotten what I stand for?
Have you forgotten all the battlefields
where men fought and died to
keep this nation, your nation, free?
When you salute me,
you are actually saluting them.

Take a look at the Memorial Honor Rolls
sometime. Look at the names of those
who never came back,
and are resting 'neath white crosses
on a far away shore.

Some of them were friends
or relatives of yours,
maybe even went to school with you.
That's who you're saluting...
when you revere me.

Well, it won't be long until
I come down your street again.
So when you see me, stand straight,
place your hand over your heart,
and you'll see me waving back.

My salute to you,
I'll show you that I too, remember!

Author Unknown