Posted by john davis, 64.5
on 6/14/2009, 10:05 am
70.106.29.61
After my Eagle Board of Review, Rear Admiral John W. W. Cumming gave me a a copy of "A Tribute to Our Flag." He penned this tribute in 1942 whilst at home between WW II convoy trips. On this Flag Day 2009, I'd like to share his tribute with you. It is not copyrighted and in a letter on its back, Admiral Cumming expressed, "If it appeals, please help disseminate it, I seek nothing for myself - only to give it to America."
A Tribute to Our Flag
A Salute to thee, Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes - Our Flag!
Thou wast born, June 14, 1777;
Thy field of blue with (fifty) stars of white doth represent the union of States while thy thirteen stripes of red and white, the original colonies; the first States to form the united States of America, out Country; but - thou art more.
Thou art a silent symphony of Red, White, and Blue, the harmony of Home and Country composed by GOD HIMSELF, the Master of Life, Liberty, Equality, and the Pursuit of Happiness - thy glorious theme.
Thy canton of Blue, like the firmament, displays now a galaxy, a constellation of bright shining stars in one of which each of us has a Home, yet, every other star other star is likewise a Home for each of us - one for all and all for one - a Perfect Union.
Thy stripes of White, six in number, emblazon on high, the purity of purpose of Creation by the Almighty GOD WHOSE Omniscience and Omnipotence, in six days, brought into being all there is, including Earth and over all therein gave HE dominion to Man - and - God was pleased because all was good; thus was thy birth first planned.
Thy stripes of Red, seven in number, one for each day of the week in which to render passionate, living, virile worship and service to the Infinite, by man serving man in joy and sadness, in plenty and poverty, in health and sickness, regardless of cost, sacrifice, race, color or creed; thus do our part by Providence planned;
I salute thee, my Flag, because thou dost symbolize all I hold most dear - GOD! Home ! Country! - and I will defend thee against all enemies, domestic and foreign!
I salute thee!
John W. W. Cumming
June 8, 1942
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