Life in the Slow Lane

BOSTON, Mass. (July 4, 2009) Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Webb salutes as the American flag is presented on stage during the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular at the Charles River Esplanade. By U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gary Ward [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

“Their Flag”

She fluttered in the wind
That blew o’er the bloodied field
In Remembrance once again
Of those who did not yield.

She stands for what is right and good
In the hearts of blessed men
Who shed their life’s blood
In battle for her time and again.

White is there for Purity,
Blue to remind us be True,
And Red of blood for Bravery,
Soldier, these represent you.

So when you hear the bugle sound
As it did in days of yore,
And you gather yourselves round
To prepare to go to war,

Stand tall and carry Her proudly
As those before you have done,
Firing your volleys loudly
Bear your arms and crew your guns,

For many have fought and died for Her
And the land She represents,
Their legacy is here,
In the Army of the present

And when the battles all are won
And peace reigns night and day,
We shall remember our fallen ones
Every time we see Their Flag!

-SPC Kenneth W. Hammes, Ft. Sill, 1995

 Author: Kenneth W. Hammes