I first saw you as a child when I could barely
stand. Then I swore my first allegiance with my
heart beneath my hand. My father whispered in my
ear how proud that I should be. Because you are
the symbol of a land that’s free.
As I grew I
learned of all the things that you had done.
You’ve led the way to battle, brought home every
fallen son. We looked to you for hope, when there
was none in sight. We think back to Fort McHenry,
when you made it through the night.
Now that
I’m a man, I’ve sworn a sacred oath to you. I’ll
fight for your protection, and beliefs that I hold
true. You never asked for my respect although you
have it all. I vow that I’ll fight to the death
to never let you fall.
The other day my son
and I were walking down the street. We stopped to
pay you our respect when we heard retreat. He
asked me why we did it, my boy just didn’t see.
So I bent and whispered in his ear, like my father
once did for me.