We raised her above this mortal coil
Upwards ascending towards the heavens we sent

Our honor, most cherished badge of valor set free
Placed atop an iron spike, unfettered- nor constrained, to the winds of war.

Simple worn strips of cloth put forth thru rain and haze
Be they within our gloved hands or at a distance seen

Whole unmarred tattered perchance exhausted
Held in ceremonial emplacement or rent to patch wounds remained.

Our guide thru the darkened nights of winter’s encroachment she was.
Oh proud standard our courage fortified whence in reverence kissed.

To wipe from brow or cheek; sweat and tears of her children,
For whom so many hath & wilt sacrifice their lives upon the altar of freedom.

We carried thee from our shores where freedom’s call resounds.
Held close to breast her colors preserved.

Forward to fields of battle then lands far from home,
Our victories sought and gained under thy ever watchful gaze.

Thy standard not encased yet held ever aloft.
Past far reaching sands filled of burnt rubble and tarry smoke filled ruins.

Thy enemy we didst engage with your virtue ever in mind.
For determination of thy love for us, thy sons, we persevered.

Onward ever marching thy anthem we hath sung
Your wisdom- our founding strength ever wilt be clear & true.

That which graces the breadth of land, sea , and skies majestic.
In ascent shall ever you upon the horizon be found.

Within therefore those volleys in battles
First at the light of dawn exchanged,

Upon hill or dale shall the pipe sound then to raise her.
Again to sail upon salted aft-mast shall fighting men praise her.

She that emboldens our commitment in perpetuity sustains.
Of tender fealty for her alone shall we stand ever fast.

Far above unfettered placed with utmost care
She snaps- unfurls her shadow casting the battle cry of our proud republic.

An oath ever upheld; forged of years & patient toll
Old Glory her name & silent cry dignified by all who serve.

She is freedom’s unrequited joy,
The silvered lining of America’s Principality.

Our clarion call to both arms & peace
Old Glory it she whom I shall revere!

Never wilt I lay her down nor cast off her call to diligence,
As before I our founding fathers of freedom’s love didst raise her.

Their mantle and torch too one day shall we pass on,
As tomorrow’s world Old Glory shall see hence we depart this mortal realm

She is the Requiem of History’s annals recourse to what once was
In our time of untarnished memory fond shall she remain eternal

She is the hope of the future free of oppression’s hand,
Her Name is Old Glory- let sweet freedom resound!

In memory of HM3 FMF Christopher Anderson, USN
1ST BN 6TH Marines
04DEC2006 AR RAMADI, AL ANBAR PROVINCE IRAQ
OIF

Written By:
By: HM3 Jonathan Michael Benedict Adamshaspert, USN Copyright 2008