Old Glory Flies

A man and boy stood side by side
And watched Old Glory's colors fly.
The man stood proud and shed a tear,
The boy stood slouched and wore a sneer.

The man said "Son, the colors fly.
Help to honor Warrior's lives.
Stand tall and proud and straight and true,
Remember what they did for you."

The boy looked up with cynic's eyes.
"Why should I care if Glory flies?
E'er I was born those men were gone,
Leaving all they had to roam."

The man said "Glory flies so true
Because of what they did for you.
It's true, you're one they never met;
But, due to them, you live free yet."

The man then gave a sigh and said,
"For you and me they fought and bled.
They left their homes and loved ones, all,
To answer Freedom's clarion call.

"They fought to stay the tyrants' hand
And keep him from their loved ones land.
And tho' some lived, still others died
So we could stand in Freedom's pride.

"If aught else you learn this day,
Learn about the price t'was paid.
These men we honor here, today?
They stood for us 'gainst hatred's way."

The boy looked up with tear damp eyes.
"Why would they give up loves and lives?
Why leave their homes for hatred's war?"
The man replied "We loved you more."

1999