A symbol of respect, pride, and strength,

not to be ruffled, wadded, or soiled,

to be folded, unfurled, raised for all to see,

at home, in school, at the old county courthouse,

as in going into battle resounding victory.

Not to be tattered, torn, or burned in effigy,

rather a symbol of hope to those in bondage,

of hate for those who seek to enslave,

of patriotism to those who guard fiercely,

enshrined with those who died for liberty,

entrusted to each generation to decide its fate

to be the most loved or most hated,

to be seen in every city, state, and on foreign soil,

wherever seen America is found.

No other symbol rises above or would be allowed,

representing freedom, recognized the world round,

a powerful adversary to an enemy

a gentle giant to those who are represented.

A symbol of red and white,

with fifty shining stars on a field of blue,

call it a flag,

in reality it is you.

Thanks,

Mac McGovern

HMC, USN, Ret.

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