Happy Birthday America

[BILLY D.]

THIS IS JUST WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE AN AMERICAN TO ME. THOSE THAT KNOW ME ALSO KNOW MY STORY AND WHAT THIS COUNTRY MEANS TO ME AND WHAT IT GAVE TO MY FAMILY.

THE FLAG

I am the flag of the United States of America, my name is Old Glory. I fly atop the worlds 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. 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 worshipped-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. 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. KheSan and 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 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 on the streets of my country. And when it's by those whom I have served in battle-it hurts. But I shall overcome-for I am strong.

I have slipped the 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 loved one at the grave of a fallen son, daughter, husband, wife or loved one, I am proud.

MY NAME IS OLD GLORY, LONG MAY I WAVE.
DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN, LONG MAY I WAVE.

I CAN TAKE NO CREDIT FOR THIS PIECE, ALL I DID WAS FIND IT. I WAS PROFOUNDLY MOVED BY IT AND THOUGHT I'D PASS IT ON. IT WAS WRITEN BY HOWARD SCHNAUBER.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA, AND GOD PLEASE KEEP BLESSING US.

SHALOM.

[Valigator]

Very nice Billy, hope you and yours have a wonderful day...

[Niteowl]

I got goose bumps...Thanks Billy.....Long may she wave!