A Toast To The Flag

John J. Daly

Here’s to the red of it—There’s not a thread of it, No, nor
a shred of it, In all the spread of it, From foot to head,
But heroes bled for it, Faced steel and lead for it,
Precious blood shed for it, Bathing it Red!

Here’s to the white of it—Thrilled by the sight of it, Who
knows the right of it, But feels the might of it, Through
day and night? Womanhood’s care for it, Made manhood
dare for it, Purity’s prayer for it, Keeps it so white!

Here’s to the blue of it—Beauteous view of it, Heavenly
hue of it, Star-spangled dew of it, Constant and true;
Diadem gleam for it, States stand supreme for it, Liberty’s
beam for it, Brightens the blue!

Here’s to the whole of it—Stars, stripes and pole of it,
Body and soul of it, O, and the roll of it, Sun shining
through; Hearts in accord for it, Swear by the sword for
it, Thanking the Lord for it, Red White and Blue!

Reprinted from The Sojourner, May/June 1996. National Sojourners are Master Masons who are or were commissioned officers in the United States Military Services.