To us the Flag has little meant. <br /> Each glorious stripe of red <br /> Was woven there to represent <br /> The blood of heroes dead. <br /> On some dim, distant battle line <br /> By other men were gained <br /> The glories that have made it fine, <br /> And idle we've remained. <br /> But now the Flag shall finer grow <br /> And ages yet to be <br /> Shall find the courage that we show <br /> To-day for liberty. <br /> <br /> Of other men the Flag has told; <br /> It flies for others' deeds; <br /> Its pride is born of heroes bold <br /> Who served its by-gone needs. <br /> But now our blood shall mingle there <br /> With blood of patriots dead, <br /> And through the years each stripe shall wear <br /> A deeper, truer red. <br /> The splendor of the flag shall gleam <br /> In every radiant star, <br /> And finer shall the banner seem <br /> Because of what we are. <br /> <br /> To-day new glory for the Flag <br /> We give our best to build; <br /> Of us shall future ages brag, <br /> By us their blood be thrilled; <br /> And as to us the flag has meant <br /> The greatness of the past, <br /> The Stars and Stripes shall represent <br /> Our courage to the last. <br /> The children in the years to be <br /> Our trials shall discuss, <br /> And cheer the emblem of the free, <br /> In part, because of us.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/beautifying-the-flag/
