Writers' Corner

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OLD GLORY I AM THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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 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 worshiped - 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, Shiloh and
Appomattox.
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 and KheSan, Saigon,
Vietnam know me. I was there.
I led my troops, I was dirty, battle-worn 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've served in battle - it
hurts.
But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over
the uncharted frontiers of space from my advantage 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 soldiers, or when I lie in the trembling
arms of a grieving parents at the grave of their fallen
son or daughter,
I am Proud.
MY NAME IS OLD GLORY, LONG MAY I WAVE.
DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN, LONG MAY I WAVE.
Author Unknown
Submitted by Ed and Scarlet Bassingthwaite, Brownsboro

MY MILITARY HEROS
George Washington led his troops against the Brits.
The Americans were under-manned, but gave them fits.
He was later to be the leader of this great country,
He set the example for all future leaders to see.
Teddy Roosevelt led the Rough Riders.
He not only led but was one of the fighters.
"Walk softly and carry a big stick" was his word.
He was a tough man but gentle as a bird.
Bowie and Crockett were two of the bravest we know.
They fought a good fight at the Alamo,
That started the downfall of Santa Anna and his bandidos.
Now we're eating beans and potatoes instead of tacos.
Dwight Eisenhower was known as the soldier's soldier.
He was known as a tactician than for being bolder.
He planned the invasion of the Battle of the Bulge.
Many a man was killed in this cold, barren sludge.
Old soldiers never die, they just fade away,
That's what General MacArthur had to say.
President Truman fired him in nineteen fifty-two.
That changed the whole world for me and you.
General George Patton was born to fight wars;
On the battlefield there were no holds barred.
He was known as "old blood and guts."
The soldiers cried, "our blood and his guts."
General Swartzkoppf was the last of the greats.
If he had his way, the U.S. would have all the stakes.
But now, because of a mistake by Uncle Sam,
We're still having to deal with nuts like Saddam.
But the real heroes are men like my two brothers.
They fought in trenches and at sea like many others.
Thank God for the men who wore the stars.
But men like my brothers and your fathers won the wars.
by Dwayne Garner