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 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 Forests, Anzio, Rome and the beaches
of Normandy.

Guam, Okinawa, Korea, KheSan and Saigon all know me.

I am presently in the mountains of Afghanistan and the
hot dusty deserts of Iraq, and wherever freedom is needed.

I led my troops, I was dirty, battle worn and tired, but
my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.

I have been burned, torn and trampled 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 and trampled in the
streets of my country. And when it’s 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 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, or when I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldiers, or 
When I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving Comrades on
the battlefield, or when I am flown at half-mast to Honor my soldiers, or
when I lie in the trembling arms of a parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,
I am proud,

I Am the Flag of the United States of America.
Anonymous