I am the American flag. And my country and I are celebrating our two hundredth birthday as a free nation. I was born among the ideas of men who sacrificed their lives, fortunes, and sacred honors so that the cause for which they stood would live.
I am an emblem of freedom, love, honor, and all it has taken to make my country the most unselfish nation on earth. We might still be bound to our mother nation maybe never to know the real meaning of freedom if not for the courage of our founding fathers who said,
"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
To those gallant Americans who gave so much that we might live, and to those who have died preserving our freedom from all who have tried to enforce their will upon us, I humbley dedicate the following:
I've been carried in battle by many brave men, I have been carried in wars I thought wouldn't end, and I've been changed for the good in days gone by, to better a cause that can never die.
I've been spat on, burned and trampled in dirt, each time that happens it's a greater hurt, but I'll continue to be the emblem I am, as part of my country and Uncle Sam.
When you fight for and honor the country you serve your place history will be deserved.
So be grateful the land that you live is free, many brave men before made sure it would be.
My purpose has a magnificient part putting love of country in every heart. That's why I am proud if someone will say the pledge allegience to me ever day.
When you look at me hold your head up high, let the words flow free from deep inside.
I'm Amerca's flag that you're pledging to, so be proud of her, and she'll be proud of you.
Then maybe soon every nation will find, they can all live together for the good of mankind.
If they do then, there may be peace on earth eternally.
Yes, two hundred years have passed somehow, but we'll still be young a thousand years from now.
William Estes
Route 2, O'Fallon, Missouri