The history of the MY NAME IS OLD GLORY poem

http://militaryhonors.sid-hill.us/mil/oldglory.htm
I was honored to be asked a few weeks ago to participate in a flag presentation for my local running store. I will post the organization that sponsored it- great cause. I was asked to read something or give some history on the flag. I know we have debated the kneeling aspect to death. I try to stay out of it best I can- I have not watched football this year, but listen and check scores from the radio. I have an issue with a protest that is kinda lost in translation. You are demonstrating against the very symbol that stands for freedom and justice and the song that accompanies it embodies that very spirit into her listeners. So in my confusion and my opinion- I see players demonstrating against that which they wish for.

The attached link gives some info on the author and I have pasted the poem below in case you don't want to follow the link. Speaks loudly to our times right now. Happy Sunday evening RP.

My Name is Old Glory
by Howard Schnauber
I am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over great institutes of learning.
I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world.
Look up! And see me!

I stand for peace - honor - truth and justice.
I stand for freedom
I am confident - I am arrogant
I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners
My head is a little higher
My colors a little truer.

I bow to no one.
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped - I am saluted - I am respected
I am revered - I am loved, and I am feared.

I have fought every battle of every war for more than 200 years:
Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomatox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France,
the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy,
the deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Philippines,
the rice paddies and jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam,
Guadalcanal New Britain, Peleliu, and many more islands.

And a score of places long forgotten by all but those who were with me.
I was there.
I led my soldiers - I followed them.
I watched over them.
They loved me.
I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima.
I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me,
and I was proud.

I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of
countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my country,
and when it is by those with whom I have served in battle - it hurts.
But I shall overcome - for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stand watch over the
uncharted new frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.
I have been a silent witness to all of America's finest hours.

But my finest hour comes when I am torn into strips to
be used for bandages for my wounded comrades on the field of battle,
When I fly at half mast to honor my soldiers,
And when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving
mother at the graveside of her fallen son.

I am proud.

My name is Old Glory.

Dear God - Long may I wave.