Grand Old Flag

"A thoughtful mind when it sees a nation's flag, sees not the flag, but the nation itself. And whatever may be its symbols, its insignia, he reads chiefly in the flag, the government, the principles, the truths, the history that belongs to the nation that sets it forth. The American flag has been a symbol of Liberty and men rejoiced in it.

The stars upon it were like the bright morning stars of God, and the stripes upon it were beams of morning light. As at early dawn the stars shine forth even while it grows light, and then as the sun advances that light breaks into banks and streaming lines of color, the glowing red and intense white striving together, and ribbing the horizon with bars effulgent, so, on the American flag, stars and beams of many-colored light shine out together ...." ---Henry Ward Beecher

"The American flag conjures emotions and stirs feelings in any and everyone who calls this nation home. One of the most prominent feelings is pride. Joe Rosenthal, a renown World War II photographer, captured Marines and Navy corpsman who risked their very lives to ensure the safety of the American flag. The American flag is a symbolic to the world of the American spirit. To Veterans and servicemembers, though, there is a particular pride when the flag is raised. To Americans, Old Glory is a symbol of past sacrifices, hard-won freedoms and champions the hope of future dreams. "

History of the Flag of the United States of America

"The national flag of the United States of America (the American flag) consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton (referred to specifically as the "union") bearing fifty small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars. The fifty stars on the flag represent the 50 states and the 13 stripes represent the original thirteen colonies that rebelled against the British monarchy and became the first states in the Union.[1] Nicknames for the flag include the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory,[2] and The Star-Spangled Banner (also the name of the national anthem)."

The Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag That Inspired the National Anthem

"Upon entering this exhibition, visitors are immersed in the Battle of Baltimore, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write his famous lyrics. The almost 200-year old, 30-by 34-foot flag is displayed in a special environmentally-controlled chamber. . .

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.

You're a Grand Old Flag
by George M. Cohan

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

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