Old Glory

[retired btc]

Old Glory:

I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory.

I fly atop of the world’s tallest buildings. I stand watch in America’s Halls of Justice.

I fly majestically over great institutions 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, Shiloh, Appomattox, 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 soldiers – I followed them. I watched over them. They loved me.

I was on a small hill on 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 own 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.

[icyflame]

To BTC:
From Viet Nam BT2

Salute To The Both Of You!




PS
Can we pass this around?

[retired btc]

The Dying Breed
The last of our kind, the givers of steam; we are not known for our polish that gleams, we are known for the sweat, grease, and fire; but do not yet light our funeral pyre.

For though we may no longer technically exist, our rate may change, but still know this; we still light our fires, and they still burn, the lights are still on, the screws still turn.

So do not mourn us, we still have our pride, that burns like our fires deep inside, the heart of anyone that's been rated BT; from Norfolk to San Diego to the South China Sea; we don't fade away, and we will not quit; know this whenever you hear Fires Lit.

From the Steam Demons to Navy Power and Light, we know our strength, and we know our might,

So when you take a hot shower, or turn on a light to read a good book in the middle of the night, remember that it happened because we followed our creed and always remember the Dying Breed.

[tonys]

good grief...

[RoBoTeq]

Originally posted by tonys
good grief...

What's the matter? No pride, Charlie Brown?

[chillbilly]

No pride, no love of country and no substance...thus we have the patented two word reply from a patented ingrate.

Charlie Brown indeed.

What a shame these dishonorable people show no tolerance or love for their fellow Americans willing to give all they have for their country.

[retired btc]

HONOR: I will bear true faith and allegiance ...; Accordingly, we will: Conduct ourselves in the highest ethical manner in all relationships with peers, superiors and subordinates; Be honest and truthful in our dealings with each other, and with those outside the Navy; Be willing to make honest recommendations and accept those of junior personnel; Encourage new ideas and deliver the bad news, even when it is unpopular; Abide by an uncompromising code of integrity, taking responsibility for our actions and keeping our word; Fulfill or exceed our legal and ethical responsibilities in our public and personal lives twenty-four hours a day. Illegal or improper behavior or even the appearance of such behavior will not be tolerated. We are accountable for our professional and personal behavior. We will be mindful of the privilege to serve our fellow Americans.

COMMITMENT: I will obey the orders ...; Accordingly, we will: Demand respect up and down the chain of command; Care for the safety, professional, personal and spiritual well-being of our people; Show respect toward all people without regard to race, religion, or gender; Treat each individual with human dignity; Be committed to positive change and constant improvement; Exhibit the highest degree of moral character, technical excellence, quality and competence in what we have been trained to do. The day-to-day duty of every Navy man and woman is to work together as a team to improve the quality of our work, our people and ourselves.

COURAGE: I will support and defend..; Accordingly, we will have: courage to meet the demands of our profession and the mission when it is hazardous, demanding, or otherwise difficult; Make decisions in the best interest of the navy and the nation, without regard to personal consequences; Meet these challenges while adhering to a higher standard of personal conduct and decency; Be loyal to our nation, ensuring the resources entrusted to us are used in an honest, careful, and efficient way. Courage is the value that gives us the moral and mental strength to do what is right, even in the face of personal or professional adversity.