Freedom's Waving Shield

Our flag is more than just a symbol of a nation brave and free.

And it’s so much more than just an emblem proclaiming liberty.

Old Glory is truly a monument as its pillars rest on high ideals.

Dedicated to those who pass the staff of freedom’s waving shield.

We carried it proudly throughout history to wherever duty called.

From the dark days at Valley Forge to Yorktown’s thunderous fall.

Gallantly streaming over Fort McHenry through that perilous night.

Proved to the world we’re here to stay in the early morning light.

Fluttering in the fields of Gettysburg to engage all who would enslave.

Under its unfurled colors our full measure of devotion is what we gave.

Intrepidly leading the way in battle against oppressors' imposing will.

From the Halls of Montezuma to its valiant charge up San Juan Hill.

From the great crusade at Normandy to the summit of Suribachi it flew.

Waving out a clear warning to tyranny that the fight is coming to you.

It followed us ashore in Korea; over the skies of Vietnam it streaked.

Across Iraq’s sea of endless sand to Afghanistan’s mountainous peaks.

Guiding us clearly through the fog of war as we liberated many lands.
Defending man's inalienable rights and the republic for which it stands.

Flying over our heroes’ graves promising our mission will never cease.
As we wield our banner onward in the relentless pursuit for peace.

by: Michael McGlynn