Home » Poems » L Milton Hankins » Old Glory

Old Glory

Do not debauch the banner--red, white, and blue, By waving it above traitorous insurrectionists’ yell. Old Glory was “so gallantly streaming” in 1812, It has stood the tests of time tried and true From Iwo Jima, the Japanese sulfur island hell, And the Halls of Montezuma, on history’s shelve. Proudly, she stands for our American democracy Her illustrious story is one patriots proudly tell No one dare defame her if they her history delve Relinquishing tried and true to lurid conspiracy The flag must wave proudly in 2022. May 23, 2021

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 5/25/2021 1:15:00 PM

I want it to wave proudly too; let's get back to unified civic pride and do things for the "greater good".

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/15/2021 1:11:00 PM

Oh, I so agree with you, Caren. We need to get back to doing "things for the 'greater good,'" but I wonder if that time will ever come?

Sotto Poet

Date: 5/23/2021 10:03:00 AM

A superb Poem, dear Milton, is in reference to Francesco Maria, the first USMC Band commander who initiated the official marines hymn after the Halls of Montezuma, the Iwo Jima, and the battle of Chapultepec in Mexico. Since their inception in 1775, the marines have never lost a fight, earning them a reputation as an invincible force. As a former O6, I experienced many of their major wars.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 5/23/2021 10:23:00 AM

Thanks so much, Lasaad, for the information you have shared. I appreciate it so much!