My Morning Mantra

[Per-Ling]

I am in the United States Navy, the greatest navy the world has ever seen, and serve my country with pride. I pass anti-war protestors who scream at my DOD sticker every morning. For 4 days of the workweek it doesn't affect me. But towards the end of the week, after 60 hours in a classroom, 30+ hours at home studying while neglecting my wife and 2 year old to learn a language most of those protestors have never heard of but have certainly heard of the atrocities of those who speak it, I can't help but be affected by those so unappreciative of this nation's caretakers.

Those of you in this Freeper community, who start my every with your analysis and humor, I salute you and the support you give our military. Let there be no doubt of this generation's willingness to stand for our peers who see fit to ignore their heritage. Instead of going to ladies nite at some hip downtown club, my classmates and I go to the Legion. It's great to be among those who get it. This site provides me the same fellowship.

But I serve those protestors as much as I serve my son. This oft-used poem in military ceremonies, helps keep my mind reminded of that.

God bless and hold you all..

My Name is Old Glory by Howard Schnauber

I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world's tallest buildings. I stand watch in America's halls of justice. I fly majestically over great institutes of learning. I stand guard with the greatest military 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 respected I am revered - I am loved, and I am feared.

I have fought every battle of every war for more than 200 years: Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomatox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, the deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Philippines, the rice paddies and jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Guadalcanal New Britain, Peleliu, and many more islands.

And a score of places long forgotten by all but those who were with me. I was there. I led my soldiers - I followed them. I watched over them. They loved me. I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima. I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me, and I was proud.

I have been soiled, 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, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my country, and when it is by those with whom I have served in battle - it hurts. But I shall overcome - for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stand watch over the uncharted new frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon. I have been a silent witness to all of America's finest hours.

But my finest hour comes when I am torn into strips to be used for bandages for my wounded comrades on the field of battle, When I fly at half mast to honor my soldiers, And when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother at the graveside of her fallen son.

I am proud.

My name is Old Glory.

Dear God - Long may I wave.

[Seeking the truth]

Thanks for posting that Johnny Cash tribute. I had never heard it before.

I love the feel of goosebumps in the morning!

[SAMWolf]

Yeah it really gets to you doesn't it.

[radu]

I saw your order a few minutes ago.

They should be shipped this Friday/Saturday.

COOOOOL!! I can't wait. They'll be put on the cars immediately.