I am a composite being of all the people of America. I am the union if you are united. I am one and indivisible if you are undivided. I am as strong as the weakest link. I am an emblem of your country. I am a symbol of a shadow of the real. I am a sign pointing to past achievements. I am a promise of greater things for the future. I am what you make me. I am purity if you are pure. I am bravery if you are brave. I am loyalty if you are loyal. I am honor if you are honorable. I am goodness if you are good. I am hope if you are hopeful. I am truth if you are true. I am the Constitution. I am law and order. I am tolerance or intolerance as you force me to be. I am liberty as you understand liberty. I am as a pillar of fire by night, but you must providethe fuel. I march at the head of the column, but you must carryme on. I stand for greater and more glorious achievementthan can be found in recorded history, but youmust be my inspiration. I am the Flag!

Back to Our American Heritage Library