Hello? Remember me? Some people call me Old Glory,
others call me the Star Spangled Banner, but whatever
they call me, I am your flag, the flag of the United
States of America.

Something has been bothering me, so I thought I
might talk it over with you because it is about
you and me. I remember sometime ago, people would
line up on both sides of the street to watch the
parade, and naturally I was leading every one,
proudly waving in the breeze. When your daddy saw
me coming, he immediately removed his hat and
placed it against his left shoulder so that his
hand was directly over his heart-remember?

What happened? I'm still the same old flag. Oh,
I've added a few more stars since you were a boy,
and a lot more blood has been shed since those
parade of long ago. But now, somehow, I don't
feel as proud as I used to feel. When I come
down your street, you just stand there with your
hands in your pockets. You may give me a small
glance, and then you look away. I see children
running around you shouting They don't seem to know
who I am. I saw one man take his hat off, then he
looked around, and when he didn't see anybody else
take off their hat, he put his on again.

Is it a sin to be patriotic today? Have you forgotten
what I stand for, and where I have been? Anzio,
Guadalcanal, Korea and Vietnam! Take a look at the
memorial honor rolls, and see the names of those
patriotic Americans who gave their lives to keep
this republic free. When you salute me, you are
actually saluting them. Well, it won't be long until
I'll be coming down your street again.

So when you see me, please stand straight and place
your hand over your heart, and I'll know that you
remembered, I'll salute you by waving back!