I heard this on the way to work today on the morning radio talk show...emailed in by a listener named only "C". The radio station posted it on their website. (www.alice1067.cc)
I am a former Marine, and I have never heard anything like this before..when it was read aloud, the DJ said he had to read it several times before he could get through it well enough for recital on the air.
I usually advocate against 'spamming' people by saying "send this to everyone"... I will forgo that restriction today.
Any fellow veterans or active-duty servicemen, I challenge anyone that clains they do not get choked up.


----

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 institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
I 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 admired--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 Appamatox.
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 and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me
I was there.
I led my troops, I was dirty, battleworn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me and I was there. I led my troops, I have been burned, torn and tampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have been soiled upon, burned, torn trampled on the streets of my country.
And when it's by those whome I've served in battle--it hurts.
But I shall overcom--for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted 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.
MY NAME IS OLD GLORY LONG MAY I WAVE.
DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN LONG MAY I WAVE.

PLEASE FORWAD MY MESSAGE TO ALL WHO STILL LOVE AND RESPECT ME, THAT I MAY FLY PROUDLY FOREVER.