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A TOAST TO THE FLAG
By John Jay Daly (1954)

1.
Here’s to the Red of it –
There’s not a thread of it,
No, nor a shred of it
In all the spread of it
From foot to head
But Heroes bled for it,
Faced steel and lead for it,
Precious blood shed for it,
Bathing it Red!

2.
Here’s to the White of it –
Thrilled by the sight of it,
Who knows the right of it
But feels the might of it
Through day and night?
Womanhood’s care for it
Made manhood dare for it;
Purity’s pray’r for it
Keeps it so White!

3.
Here’s to the Blue of it –
Beauteous view of it,
Heavenly hue of it,
Star-Spangled dew of it,
Constant and true;
Diadems gleam for it,
States Stand Supreme for it,
Liberty’s beam for it
Brightens the Blue!

4.
Here’s to the Whole of it –
Stars, stripes and pole of it,
Body and soul of it,
O, and the roll of it,
Sun shining through;
Hearts in accord of it
Swear by the word for it,
Thanking the Lord for it,
Red, White and Blue!