Some people 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.
Something’s been bothering me.
I thought I might talk it over with you,
because it’s about you and me.

I remember, not long ago, when people lined up on both sides of the street
to watch the parade and naturally,
I was leading every parade, proudly waving in the breeze.

When your daddy first saw me coming,
he immediately removed his hat with his right hand
and placed it against his left shoulder
so his hand was directly over his heart. Remember that?

And you, you were younger then,
I remember you standing there straight as a soldier.
You didn't have a hat, but you were giving a hand right salute.
Remember your little sister?
Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as your dad,
with her right hand over her heart… Remember?

What happened? I'm still the same old flag.
Oh, I have a few more stars since you were a boy,
and a lot more blood has been shed since those parades of long ago.
But now I don't feel as proud as I used to.
 When I come down your street in the same type of parade,
some of you stand there with your hands in your pockets
and I may get a small glance from you, but you oftentimes look away.
And I see your small children running around and shouting and playing.
They don't seem to know who I am or what I represent.
I saw one man take his hat off, then look around
and when he didn't see others with their hats off,
he quickly put his back on.

Is it a sin to be patriotic any more?
Have you forgotten what I stand for and where I've been?
Anzio, Guadalcanal, Bataan, Korea and Vietnam.
Take a look at the Memorial Honor Roll sometime.
You’ll see the names of those who fought to keep this country free;
those who bled and suffered and died for those of you who are standing,
not saluting, not telling your children about me.

Remember these words?… “One nation under God”
…When you salute me you are saluting those brave people who have,
in fact, given their tomorrows so you could have your todays.

Well, it won't be long before I'll be coming down your street again.
So when you see me, think about what I just told you.
Think about what I stand for.
Stand erect, place your right hand over your heart,
and tell your children and friends to do the same.
As you salute me, I'll salute you back by waving at you,
and I'll know that

YOU REMEMBERED!