Old Glory

A Field of Blue and Thirteen Stars of White, Once pitted against all England's might. Courage shown by men who knew, "Royal Freedom" would never do. A hot July in Philadelphia town, Where a rebellion's seed would now be sown. Declared were freedoms all had sought, Only now to be won, by battles to be fought. "Don't Tread On Us" rose the cry, On that day, that hot July. But deaf ear turned to fisted hand, As Redcoats marched across the land. Invading brothers from across the sea, Scourged the land which sought liberty. The silent voices began to sing, Across our land, "Let Freedom Ring"! Amidst battles' shot, smoke, and shell, Many an innocent, along with patriot fell. Independence and Freedom were not easily obtained, Only after so many deaths, a courageous victory gained. So the Red Stripes were put on the flag for the blood, Spent again and again wherever Liberty stood. White Stripes were put on for the purity of soul, That this new nation put forth as a whole. O'er the years more Stars have been added to that Field of Blue, But many more of its sons had to die for Freedom to be true. Many say it's just a piece of cloth on a pole in the air, They remember not the sacrifices that allowed us to put it there. For strength comes from the people who live in this land, The stength that willingly offers others a hand. So, when the "Stars and Stripes" are raised above, I get a sensation of humility, of pride, of love. For the Flag that flies above us so high, Is one of greatness in strength and dignity. It flies as a beacon for all to see, That this is the land of Freedom's Opportunity. But that Freedom comes with a high price still, We have paid, and still pay more we will. And like those heroes of our past, "Old Glory" beckons us to meet that task.