Hail Flag of the Union! Hail Flag of the free! <br />That floateth so proudly o'er land and o'er sea <br />Thy Stars and thy Stripes, in grandeur doth wave <br />O'er hearts that are true and hands that are brave. <br /> <br />When first thy bright pennant was lifted on high, <br />When first 'twas unfolded to patriot's eye; <br />The ovation that greeted thee, rose through the air <br />Like incense from altars of hearts true and dear. <br /> <br />Hail Flag of our country, when thrown to the breeze <br />Thy power is acknowledged, far over the seas. <br />Thy influence so boundless, that none may deny, <br />Thy potency reaches all lands, 'neath the sky. <br /> <br />Should war like a dark cloud, encircle our land, <br />With its threat'ning besom o'ershadow the main. <br />With head lifted high, thou would'st laugh them to <br />scorn <br />Who from thy tall flagstaff would try to pull down.<br /><br />Mary Weston Fordham<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/stars-and-stripes/
