Return to Love
to Learn Place
Return to General
Homeschooling Message Board
Return to Special Days / Holidays
|
|
 |
|
'Twas red with the blood of freemen and white with the fear of the foe; And the stars that fit in their courses 'gainst tyrants its symbols know. |
|
You're a grand old flag, |
|
Written: 1906 Stage Musical: George Washington, Jr. First: Sold over one million sheet music copies Story behind song: Cohan met a veteran of the Gettysburg battle. The vet held a carefully folded, ragged old flag and said, "She's a grand old rag." Originally, the title You're a Grand Old Rag. Many objected to calling the flag a "rag" and Cohan changed the song's title. |
|
Americans revere their flag as a symbol of the Nation. Indeed, it is because of that reverence that the amendment is under consideration. Few countries in the world would think of amending their Constitution for the purpose of protecting such a symbol ... If they are destroying a flag that belongs to someone else, that's a prosecutable crime. If it is a flag they own, I really don't want to amend the Constitution to prosecute someone for foolishly desecrating their own property. We should condemn them and pity them instead. |
|
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. I remember some time 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? And you, I remember, were standing there, straight as a soldier. You didn't have a hat, but you were giving the right salute. Remember your little sister? Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as you with her right hand over her 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 parades of long ago. Now, somehow, I don't feel as proud as I used to feel. When I come down the 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 his hat, he quickly 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! 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! |
Most people know PrestonSpeed Publications brought the classic writings of G.A. Henty back into print. Entire families are once again enjoying Mr. Henty's work in books, audiobooks, and in The Captain. Demand the best by demanding PrestonSpeed Publications. Accept no substitutes!!
