Pledge of Allegiance

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I pledge allegiance, to the Flag, of the United States of America,
and to the Republic, for which it stands;
one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
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Ragged Old Flag

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I walked through a county courthouse square,
On a park bench an old man was sitting there.
I said, "Your old courthouse is kinda run down."
He said, "Naaw, it'll do for our little town."
I said, "Your flagpole has leaned a little bit,
And that's a Ragged Old Flag you got hanging on it".
He said, "Have a seat", and I sat down.

"Is this the first time you've been to our little town?"
I said, "I think it is".
He said, "I don't like to brag,
But we're kinda proud of that Ragged Old Flag".

"You see, we got a little hole in that flag there
When Washington took it across the Delaware.
And it got powder-burned the night Francis Scott Key
Sat watching it, writing "Oh Say Can You See".
And it got a bad rip in New Orleans
With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seams".

"And it almost fell at the Alamo
Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on through.
She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville
And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.
There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg,
And the south wind blew hard on that Ragged Old Flag".

"On Flanders Field in World War I
She got a big hole from a Bertha gun.
She turned blood red in World War II
She hung limp and low by the time it was through.
She was in Korea and Vietnam.
She went where she was sent by her Uncle Sam".

"She waved from our ships upon the briny foam,
And now they've about quit waving her back here at home.
In her own good land she's been abused --
She's been burned, dishonored, denied and refused".

"And the government for which she stands
Is scandalized throughout the land.
And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin,
But she's in good shape for the shape she's in.
Cause she's been through the fire before
And I believe she can take a whole lot more."
"So we raise her up every morning, Take her down every night.
We don't let her touch the ground And we fold her up right.
On second thought I DO like to brag,
'Cause I'm mighty proud of that Ragged Old Flag".

by Johnny Cash
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Hello, Remember Me?
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Some 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. There has been something that has been bothering me,
so I thought that I might talk it over with you here today.

I remember some time ago, (I think it was Memorial Day, or was it
Veteran's Day?) that people were lined up on both sides of the street for
a parade. A high school band was behind me and, naturally I was leading
the parade. When your Daddy saw me coming along waving in the breeze,
he immediately removed his hat and placed it so that his right hand was
directly over his heart.

And you - I remember you.

Standing there as straight as a soldier, you didn't have any hat, but you
were giving me the right salute. Remember, they taught you in school to
place your right hand over your heart, and little sister, not to be outdone, was saluting the same as you. There were some soldiers home on leave and they
were standing at attention giving the military salute. Oh, I was very proud
as I came down your street that day.

Now, I may sound as if I am a little conceited, Well I am!

I have a right to be, because I represent you, the people of the
United States of America.

But what happened? I am still the same old flag. Oh, I have a couple more
stars added since you were a boy. A lot more stars added since the beginning
of this country, and and lot more blood shed since that patroitic day so long ago.

Now I don't feel as proud as I used to. When I come down your street,
some people just stand there with their hands in their pockets and give me a small glance and then look away. I see children running around and shouting. They
don't seem to know who I am.

Is it a sin to be patriotic anymore? Have some people forgotten what I
stand for? Have they forgotten all the battlefields where men have fought and died to keep this nation free? When you salute me you are actually saluting them!

Take a look at the memorial rolls some time. Look at the names of those who
never came back. Some of them were friends and relatives of yours.
That's whom you are saluting, not me!

Well, it won't be long until I'll be coming down your street again. So, when
you see me, stand straight, place your hand over your heart and you'll see me waving back -- that's my salute to you.
And then I will know you remember who I am...

Author unknown
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I'll wave to all of you
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I'll wave to all of you, as you leave
when it's time for you to go.
As you sail from sea to shining sea
take the colors of your home.

Take me with you, wherever you go
keep me in your heart each night.
And if you forget what you're fighting for
remember me, in flight.

Take me out to the battleground,
and then tear me into shreds.
Wrap the bleeding wound with me,
and bind the aching head.

Plunge me into the coldest water
to soothe the fevered brow.
Tie me across the shattered limb,
I'll support it now.

Let me dry the homesick tear,
and hold closed, the gaping chest,
for here, in the field, where hope is lost
I am at my best.

And then, burn what is left of me,
for warmth into the night.
So I may bring comfort, where there is need
and courage, for the fight.

My red is deeper, for the blood you've shed.
My white is purer, for your pain.
My blue will be bluer than the deepest sea
when you come home again.

Then I'll rise to the top of the flagpole,
where my colors are always flown,
and from there, when the war is over
I'll wave, to welcome you home.

Author unknown
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I was born July 4th, 1776...

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"I was born July 4th, 1776, and the Declaration of Independence
is my birth certificate. The bloodlines of the world run through
my veins for I offer freedom to the oppressed.

I stand for many things and many people.
I am Nathan Hale and Paul Revere. I stood at Lexington and fired the
shot heard 'round the world. I am presidents Washington and Grant.
Admirals John Paul Jones and Chester Nimitz, and Generals Stormin' Norman Schwartzkopf and Colin Powell. When freedom called, I answered and
I stayed until it was over.

I left my heroic dead in places like Flanders Field, the Rocks of Coregidor,
hills of Korea, jungles of Viet Nam and the sands of Desert Storm.
My threads are painted with the blood spilled by the men and women
who fought to defend those values I hold sacred. I will never forget
the American Sons and Daughters who stood by my side,
no matter what the cost.

I was conceived in freedom and, God willing, in freedom may I spend the
rest of my days. This is my hope, my dream, my prayer. I have carried my
message of hope all across the globe. May I always posses the integrity to
remain the beacon of strength and the citadel of freedom to the rest of
the world. For I am you. And you are Americans ... God bless America!"

Author Unknown
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Folding The American Flag

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The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing
our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to
attain a peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to him we turn in times of peace as well as in
times of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always
be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we
pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to
the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the
armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries
of our republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother,
for whom it flies on Mother's Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their
faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women
who have made this country great have been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies,
in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem
of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are upper most reminding
us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in,
it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the
soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.
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Displaying The American Flag

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Sunrise to sunset.

At all times if it's illuminated during darkness.

Should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless
it is an all-weather flag.

Should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays
and special occasions.

Should be displayed on or near the main building of public institutions, schools during school days, and polling places on election days.

It should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. When carried in procession with other flags, the U.S. flag should be either on the marching right (the flag's right) or to the front and center of the flag line.

When displayed on a float in a parade, the flag should be hung from a
staff or suspended so it falls free.

It should not be draped over a vehicle.

When displayed with another flag against a wall from crossed staffs,
the U.S. flag should be on its own right (left to a person facing the wall)
and its staff should be in front of the other flag's staff.

In a group of flags displayed from staffs, the U.S. flag should
be at the center and the highest point.

When flags of states, cities or organizations are flown on the same staff,
the U.S. flag must be at the top (except during church services
conducted at sea by Navy chaplains).

When other flags are flown from adjacent staffs, the U.S. flag
should be hoisted first and lowered last.

It must be on the right of other flags and no other flag should
stand higher than it.

Flags of other nations should be flown from separate staffs.

International custom dictates that flags of different nations be
displayed at the same height in peacetime and
be approximately the same size.

If the flag is suspended outdoors from a rope stretched from a building
to a pole, the flag should be hoisted out from the building
with the union first.

When the flag is displayed other than from a staff, it should be flat
or suspended so that it falls free.

When displayed against something, such as a wall, the union should be
at the top and to the flag's own right, the observer's left - whether
displayed horizontally or vertically.

When displayed over a street or sidewalk, where it can be seen from
either side, be sure the union is to the north on an east-west street,
and to the east on a north-south street.

The same directions apply in a building lobby or corridor with
entrances to the east and west or north and south.

When displayed flat against the wall on a speaker's platform, the flag
should be above and behind the speaker with the union on the left side
as the audience looks at it (again, the flag's right).

When the flag hangs from a staff in a church or public place, it should
appear to the audience on the left, the speaker's right.

Any other flags displayed should be placed on the opposite
side of the speaker.

The flag may cover a casket, but should not cover a statue or
monument for unveiling.

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On a casket, the union (blue field) should be at the deceased person's head
and heart, over the left shoulder. But the flag should be removed before
the casket is lowered into the grave and should never touch the ground.

It should never be draped or drawn back in folds.

The flag may be flown at half-staff to honor a newly deceased federal
or state government official by order of the President or
the Governor, respectively.

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On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon.

Whenever the flag is displayed at half-staff,
it should be first raised to the top.

Lowering from half-staff is preceded by first raising it
momentarily to the top.

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Draped red, white and blue bunting may be used for decoration,
with the blue at the top and red at the bottom.
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Disposing of The American Flag

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When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country,
it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
Most American Legion Posts regularly conduct an official flag burning
ceremony, often on Flag Day, June 14th.
Contact your local American Legion Post and inquire about the
availability of this service. Thank you.

Remember never burn a complete flag as it is still "Old Glory".
Cut away the field of blue stars then it is no longer our flag.
The pieces may then be burned separately for disposal.
The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts even go so far as to
cut away the stipes from one another and burn them
separately or one at a time.
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Pledge of Allegiance ~	Ragged Old Flag ~	Hello, Remember Me? ~	I'll Wave to All of You ... ~
I Was Born July 4th, 1776	Folding The Flag	Displaying The Flag	Disposing of The Flag