There flies the same flag that was insulted. In the storm of that assault this glorious ensign was often struck; but, memorable fact, not one of its stars was torn out, by shot or shell. It was a prophecy.... Lifted to the air, to-day it proclaims, after four years of war, "Not a State is blotted out!"Hail to the flag of our fathers, and our flag! Glory to the banner that has gone through four years black with tempests of war, to pilot the nation back to peace without dismemberment! And glory be to God, who, above all hosts and banners, hath ordained victory, and shall ordain peace!... In the name of God, we lift up our banner, and dedicate it to Peace, Union and Liberty, now and forevermore.
There flies the same flag that was insulted. In the storm of that assault this glorious ensign was often struck; but, memorable fact, not one of its stars was torn out, by shot or shell. It was a prophecy.... Lifted to the air, to-day it proclaims, after four years of war, "Not a State is blotted out!"
Hail to the flag of our fathers, and our flag! Glory to the banner that has gone through four years black with tempests of war, to pilot the nation back to peace without dismemberment! And glory be to God, who, above all hosts and banners, hath ordained victory, and shall ordain peace!... In the name of God, we lift up our banner, and dedicate it to Peace, Union and Liberty, now and forevermore.
A few years later General Anderson died. He was buried at West Point and was carried to his grave wrapped in the flag that he had defended so bravely. On the death of his wife the flag passed by her gift into the hands of the War Department.
One of the most interesting flags of the recent war with Spain was borne by the First Regiment of the United States Volunteer Cavalry. A squadron of men for this regiment left Phœnix, Arizona, on their way to the field of war. It was noticed that they had no flag. The women of the Relief Corps attached to the Grand Army of the Republic took the matter in hand, for if this was not a case where relief was needed, where should one be found?
Night and day were the same to these energetic women. They bought silk and they sewed, all day and all night. The stores of Phœnix did not provide just the right sort of cord, so the staff of the battle-flag was daintily adorned with a knot of satin ribbon, red, white, and blue. Then the flag was carried to camp, and presented with all courtesy and dignity to the two hundred men who were to form a part of the First Regiment of the United States Volunteer Cavalry, better known as the "Rough Riders."
The little silken flag came to glories that it hadnot dreamed of, for the regular bunting flags were scarce, and therefore it held the most prominent place in parades and was even set up as guest of honor before the tent of Colonel Leonard Wood. In the attack on Santiago, the little party that first landed at Daiquiri, a small town on the coast a few miles from the city, carried the flag with them. On a transport in the harbor an officer from Arizona, observing the troops climb the hill, had seen the raising of the flag and discovered with a glass what it was. As the story is told:—
He threw his hat to the deck, jumped to the top of the bulwark, and yelled: "Howl, you Arizona men,—it's our flag up there!"And the men howled as only Arizona cowboys could. Some one on the hurricane deck grabbed the whistle cord and tied it down, the band of the Second Infantry whisked up instruments and played "A Hot Time" on the inspiration of the moment, and every man who had a revolver emptied it over the side. Almost in an instant every whistle of the fifty transports and supply vessels in the harbor took up the note of rejoicing. Twenty thousand men were cheering. A dozen bands increased the din. Then guns of the warships on the flanks joined in a mighty salute to the flag of the Nation. And the flag was the flag of the Arizona squadron.The Arizona flag led the regiment in the fight of Las Guasimas, where three thousand intrenched Spaniards were driven back by nine hundred unmountedcavalry; it was at the front all through the heat of the battles of Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill; it waved over the trenches before Santiago, and was later borne through the captured city to the transport.
He threw his hat to the deck, jumped to the top of the bulwark, and yelled: "Howl, you Arizona men,—it's our flag up there!"
And the men howled as only Arizona cowboys could. Some one on the hurricane deck grabbed the whistle cord and tied it down, the band of the Second Infantry whisked up instruments and played "A Hot Time" on the inspiration of the moment, and every man who had a revolver emptied it over the side. Almost in an instant every whistle of the fifty transports and supply vessels in the harbor took up the note of rejoicing. Twenty thousand men were cheering. A dozen bands increased the din. Then guns of the warships on the flanks joined in a mighty salute to the flag of the Nation. And the flag was the flag of the Arizona squadron.
The Arizona flag led the regiment in the fight of Las Guasimas, where three thousand intrenched Spaniards were driven back by nine hundred unmountedcavalry; it was at the front all through the heat of the battles of Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill; it waved over the trenches before Santiago, and was later borne through the captured city to the transport.
One of the greatest achievements of our flag in peace was the opening of Japan. In 1852 Commodore M. C. Perry was sent with a letter from President Fillmore to prepare the way for a treaty of peace and friendship and commerce with Japan. Its delivery was a matter of much ceremony. After a long delay a day was set for its reception. When the time had come, the officers in full uniform, the marines in blue and white, the sailors in navy blue and tarpaulins, and last of all the Commodore entered the boats. As the Commodore stepped into his barge, a salute of thirteen guns was given. Then the two bands struck up lively tunes and the boats made for the shore.
Along the beach were ranged nine tall crimson standards, surrounded by flags of all sorts and colors. Five or six thousand soldiers were drawn up in line, and the hills behind them were crowded with people. When the Americans came to land, a procession was formed. First, the marines and sailors, then the one flag ofthe procession, the Stars and Stripes, its brilliant colors flashing in the bright sunshine. It was borne by the two tallest, broadest-shouldered men among the sailors of the squadron. After the flag came two of the younger men, carrying a rosewood box mounted with gold and carefully wrapped in a scarlet cloth. In this were the credentials of the Commodore and the letter of the President. These were written on vellum, and the seals were attached by cords of silk and gold, ending in tassels of gold. Then came the Commodore, and on either side of him was a tall negro of fine proportions and armed to the teeth. After the Commodore walked the officers of the squadron. Commodore and officers were escorted into the handsomely decorated hall of reception. The court interpreter asked if the letter was ready. The two pages, guarded by the two stalwart negroes, were summoned and placed the letter upon a handsome box of red lacquer, which was ready to receive them. The Commodore made a formal bow. The bands played our national airs, and all returned to the vessels as ceremoniously as they had come.
This was the beginning of intercourse between the United States and Japan. Two years later a treaty was signed, and in 1860 an embassy from Japan visited this country.
So it was that Japan was opened to the world. In 1901 the Japanese Minister of Justice said: "Commodore Perry's visit was, in a word, the turn of the key which opened the doors of the Japanese Empire. Japan has not forgotten—nor will she ever forget—that, next to her reigning and most beloved sovereign, whose rare virtue and great wisdom is above all praise, she owes her present state of prosperity to the United States of America." "Are you coming over here to fight us?" a young Japanese in this country was playfully asked. "Fight the United States?" he exclaimed. "The United States is our friend." And drawing himself up to his full height, he said proudly, "The Japanese do not forget. We know what your Commodore Perry and your country have done for us."
The American flag was first seen in China in 1784. The Chinese said it was "as beautiful as a flower," and for many years they always spoke of it as the "flower flag."
A custom of great significance and value, that of raising the home flag over legations and consulates in foreign lands whenever a home holiday comes around, is due to the tact and ready wit of one of our Ministers to Sweden, William W. Thomas, Jr. The following is his own account of the event:—
On taking possession of the archives and property of the United States at Stockholm, I was surprised to find there was no American flag there. Talking with my colleagues, the Ministers of other countries, I was informed that no foreign Minister at Stockholm ever hoisted his country's flag, and that to do so would be considered a breach of diplomatic etiquette.What was I to do? I did not wish to offend my good friends, the Swedes; that was the last thing a Minister should be guilty of. And I certainly did not want to see an American holiday go by without hoisting the American flag from the American Legation. The question troubled me a great deal.All at once a thought seized me, like an inspiration. I sent to America for a flag. I procured flagstaff and halyards, and from my own drawings I had carved an American eagle, which was gilded and perched on top of the flag pole. Flag, eagle, and staff I concealed in the Legation, and bided my time.Undoubtedly the greatest character Sweden has ever produced is Gustavus Adolphus. His life and deeds belong not to Sweden along, but to the world. Well, when the anniversary of the death and victory of this great captain of the Swedish host came round,—the 6th of November, 1883,—and when the great choral societies of Stockholm, bearing banners and followed by vast multitudes of the Swedish populace, marched through the streets of Sweden's capital, and gathered about the mausoleum on the Island of Knights, where lies the mighty dead, sang pæans in his praise, then it happened, somehow, that, regardless of precedent or custom, the flag of the free republic—aye! flag, flagstaff, golden eagle, and all—was run out from the American Legation; and the starry banner of America waved in unison with theyellow cross of Sweden, in honor of the mightiest warrior for the freedom of our faith.This act was everywhere approved in Sweden. It was praised by both the people and the press. After this, it may well be believed, the flag of America floated unchallenged in the capital of the Northland. It waved on high on the birthday of Washington, on that Memorial Day when we decorate the graves of our brave boys in blue who saved the Union, and on the Fourth of July, that gave the Republic birth. But I hoisted our flag impartially, on Swedish holidays as well as our own; and the Stars and Stripes floated out as proudly on the birthday of King Oscar as on that of Washington.
On taking possession of the archives and property of the United States at Stockholm, I was surprised to find there was no American flag there. Talking with my colleagues, the Ministers of other countries, I was informed that no foreign Minister at Stockholm ever hoisted his country's flag, and that to do so would be considered a breach of diplomatic etiquette.
What was I to do? I did not wish to offend my good friends, the Swedes; that was the last thing a Minister should be guilty of. And I certainly did not want to see an American holiday go by without hoisting the American flag from the American Legation. The question troubled me a great deal.
All at once a thought seized me, like an inspiration. I sent to America for a flag. I procured flagstaff and halyards, and from my own drawings I had carved an American eagle, which was gilded and perched on top of the flag pole. Flag, eagle, and staff I concealed in the Legation, and bided my time.
Undoubtedly the greatest character Sweden has ever produced is Gustavus Adolphus. His life and deeds belong not to Sweden along, but to the world. Well, when the anniversary of the death and victory of this great captain of the Swedish host came round,—the 6th of November, 1883,—and when the great choral societies of Stockholm, bearing banners and followed by vast multitudes of the Swedish populace, marched through the streets of Sweden's capital, and gathered about the mausoleum on the Island of Knights, where lies the mighty dead, sang pæans in his praise, then it happened, somehow, that, regardless of precedent or custom, the flag of the free republic—aye! flag, flagstaff, golden eagle, and all—was run out from the American Legation; and the starry banner of America waved in unison with theyellow cross of Sweden, in honor of the mightiest warrior for the freedom of our faith.
This act was everywhere approved in Sweden. It was praised by both the people and the press. After this, it may well be believed, the flag of America floated unchallenged in the capital of the Northland. It waved on high on the birthday of Washington, on that Memorial Day when we decorate the graves of our brave boys in blue who saved the Union, and on the Fourth of July, that gave the Republic birth. But I hoisted our flag impartially, on Swedish holidays as well as our own; and the Stars and Stripes floated out as proudly on the birthday of King Oscar as on that of Washington.
"If any man attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot," commanded General Dix; but the United States may well be proud of having herself hauled down her flag on one occasion not many years ago. After the Spanish-American War had been fought, the treaty of peace with Spain put Cuba into the hands of the United States, and the star-spangled banner was raised and saluted. This was in 1899. The three years following this act were busy ones with the War Department, for in its control was left the management of all Cuban affairs. Cuba was cleaned up, the yellow fever stamped out, schools were established, peace restored, a constitution adopted by the people, and a president elected. May 20, 1902,was the date set for the sovereignty of Cuba to pass into the hands of the Cubans. The island had been made free, and now she was coming to her own. Havana was in her best. Flags floated from every house. Ships displayed both the American and the Cuban flags. When the moment arrived, General Leonard Wood read the transfer, and the President-elect signed it in the name of the new Republic. To free Cuba from oppression the United States had entered into war. Our country sought nothing for itself, and now the freedom of the island was attained, and the American forces were to be withdrawn.
After the signing of the transfer Governor-General Wood loosened the halyards and the star-spangled banner was lowered, having accomplished nobly that for which it had been raised. As it sank slowly down the Union salute of forty-five guns was fired. Then, by the hands of General Wood, the Cuban flag was hoisted to its position and floated proudly over a free country. A national salute of twenty-one guns was fired in its honor, and the history of the Cuban Republic had begun. As theNew York Sunsaid, "No country ever before conquered a territory at great sacrifice to set up a government other than its own."
In the hands of Admiral Robert E. Peary ourflag has won the honors of the Northland. Many others had gonefarnorth; for Peary it was reserved to gofarthestnorth, to the Pole itself. This was no chance success, brought about by fine equipment and favorable weather; it was the fair result of careful preparation and hard work. The Admiral wrote in his journal:—
The Pole at last! The prize of three centuries, my dream and goal for twenty years, mine at last! I cannot bring myself to realize it.It all seems so simple and commonplace. As Bartlett said when turning back, when speaking of his being in these exclusive regions, which no mortal had ever penetrated before, "It is just like every day!"
The Pole at last! The prize of three centuries, my dream and goal for twenty years, mine at last! I cannot bring myself to realize it.
It all seems so simple and commonplace. As Bartlett said when turning back, when speaking of his being in these exclusive regions, which no mortal had ever penetrated before, "It is just like every day!"
A little later, in acknowledging with gratitude the generous aid which he had received, the Admiral wrote:—
Their assistance has enabled me to tell the last of the great earth stories, the story the world has been waiting to hear for three hundred years—the story of the discovery of the North Pole.
Their assistance has enabled me to tell the last of the great earth stories, the story the world has been waiting to hear for three hundred years—the story of the discovery of the North Pole.
Such is the history of the flag of the United States of America from the time when a little group of colonies dared to raise their own standard and oppose their feeble strength and their slender resources to the trained armies and the ample wealth of England.
This was a century and a half ago. The Republichas come of age and has accepted her rightful share of the responsibilities of the world. The mother country rejoiced to do her honor, and on one brilliant April morning in 1917 the cities of England flung out her banner beside their own. In London the Stars and Stripes were everywhere—in the hands of the people in the streets, on private houses, on public buildings, even on the "Victory Tower" of Westminster Palace, where before that day no other flag save the Union Jack or the royal standard had ever been raised. In the historic cathedral of St. Paul four thousand people had come together to thank God for the alliance between the mother country and her eldest child, that in this war of the world "they should go forth and try the matter in fight by the help of God"—to quote the text of the Bishop of London. The two flags, of Great Britain and of the United States of America, hung side by side over the chancel rail. The thousands of people rose with reverence and sang, first, "The Star-Spangled Banner," and then, "God Save the King." And so it was that Great Britain and the United States took their stand shoulder to shoulder in the world-wide struggle to make sure "that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
Except the cross there is nothing that the American should hold more sacred than the flag of the United States, because of its record in peace and in war, and because it stands for the rights and the freedom of one hundred million citizens.
"Sign of a nation great and strong,To ward her people from foreign wrong."
"Sign of a nation great and strong,To ward her people from foreign wrong."
"Sign of a nation great and strong,
To ward her people from foreign wrong."
There are definite rules in regard to the use of the flag. The following are the most necessary to know:—
The flag should be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. It should not be left out at night unless under fire. It should not be allowed to touch the ground. If possible, a pole rather than a staff should be used.
In raising a flag to half-mast or half-staff, it should be run to the top of the pole, and then lowered the width of the flag. Before being retired, it should be run to the top again. On Memorial Day the flag should be at half-mastuntil noon, and at the peak from noon until sunset.
When the flag goes by, rise if you are sitting; halt if you are walking, and take off your hat.
In decorating, never drape the flag; always hang it flat. The Union should be at the observer's left, whether the stripes are perpendicular or horizontal. If our flag is crossed with the flags of other countries, or carried in a parade beside them, it should always be at the right.
In unveiling a monument, the flag should never be allowed to drop to the ground, but so arranged that it can be drawn up and will then float over the monument.
If draped over a casket, the blue field should be at the head. If used as the covering of an altar, nothing except the Bible should be placed upon it, and the union should be at the right.
Distress at sea is indicated by hanging the flag union down.
Always stand when "The Star-Spangled Banner" is played.
For those people who, whether maliciously or ignorantly, show any disrespect to the flag, strenuous laws have been passed in most of the States. In Massachusetts, a post of the GrandArmy or a camp of Spanish War veterans may put the name of the organization upon the flag, but no other lettering is permitted. Any one who mutilates the flag or in any way treats it with contempt is likely to fare worse than did John Endicott in colonial days. The same respect is required to be shown to the flags of all countries with which the United States is at peace.
The representation of the flag must not be used to advertise merchandise, but it may be used on any publication designed to give information about the flag, or to promote patriotism, or to encourage the study of American history.
June 14, the anniversary of the day in 1777 on which the flag was adopted, has been chosen as "Flag Day."
The length of a flag should be very nearly twice its height, or, to be exact, in the proportion of 1.9 to 1. The length of the union should be three fourths the height of the whole flag; the height of the union should be that of seven stripes.
Perhaps a little fancifully, a star has been assigned to each State in the order of its ratification of the Constitution and admission to the Union. Beginning at the left upper cornerand reading each row from left to right, the stars of the separate States are as follows:—
January 1-2, 1776: Grand Union Flag (British Union and thirteen stripes) hoisted over Washington's headquarters at Cambridge, Massachusetts. This was the first real flag of the colonies.
January 13, 1794: American flag changed by act of Congress, owing to two new States (Kentucky and Vermont) being admitted to the Union. The flag now had two stars and two stripes added to it, making fifteen stripes and stars. This was the "Star-Spangled Banner," and under this flag our country fought and won three wars—the so-called naval war with France, in 1798-1800; that with the Barbary States in 1801-1805; and that with England in 1812-1815.
February 3,1783: First appearance of the American flag in a British port by the ship Bedford, of Massachusetts, which arrived in the river Thames on this date.
February 8, 1776: Colonial Congressional Committee accepted a naval flag, consisting of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, with a rattlesnake diagonally across it.
February 14, 1778: First foreign salute to the Stars and Stripes. John Paul Jones entered Quiberon Bay, near Brest, France, and received a salute of nine guns from the French fleet, under Admiral La Motte Piquet. Jones had previously saluted the French fleet with thirteen guns.
March 17, 1776: The first display of the Grand Union Flag in Boston was on the day that town was evacuated by the British.
April 4, 1818: Congress by act decreed a return to the original thirteen stripes and a star for every State in the Union, to be added to the flag on the July 4 following a State's admission to the Union. This is the present law in relation to the flag.
April 24, 1778: John Paul Jones achieved the honor of being the first officer of the American Navy to compel a regular British man-of-war to strike her colors to the new flag.
June 14, 1777: First strictly American flag decreed by Congress. This flag displaced the British Union by thirteen stars, and the making of the first flag of this design is accredited to Betsy Ross of Philadelphia. It contained thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, and thirteen white stars upon a blue field.
June 14, 1777: Captain John Paul Jones appointed to the command of the Ranger. It was Jones who first displayed the Stars and Stripes on a naval vessel. It was also he who had previously first hoisted "the flag of America" on board the naval vessel Alfred in 1775.
June 28, 1778: First appearance on a foreign strong-hold at Nassau, Bahama Islands. The Americans captured Fort Nassau from the British, and promptly raised the Stars and Stripes.
August 3, 1777: First display of the Stars and Stripes on land was over Fort Stanwix, New York.
August 10, 1831: The name "Old Glory" given to our national flag by Captain William Driver,of the brig Charles Doggert. The flag was presented to the captain and contained one hundred and ten yards of bunting. It is said to be now in the Essex Institute, at Salem, Massachusetts.
September 11, 1777: The American flag first carried in battle at the Brandywine. This was the first great battle fought after its adoption by the Continental Congress.
September 13, 1784: The Stars and Stripes first displayed in China by Captain John Green, of the ship Empress, in Canton River. The natives said it was as beautiful as a flower, and the Chinese continued to call it the "flower flag" for many years.
September 30,1787–August 10, 1790: The American flag completed its first trip around the world, borne by the ship Columbia, sailing from Boston.
October 18, 1867: First official display of the American flag in Alaska. On this day, at Sitka, the capital, the Russian flag was hauled down and the American flag run up before the barracks and in the presence of both Russian and American troops.
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,In full glory reflected now shines in the stream,—'Tis the star-spangled banner; Oh! long may it wave,O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.And where is that band who so vauntingly sworeThat the havoc of war and the battle's confusionA home and a country should leave us no more?Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution.No refuge could save the hireling and slaveFrom the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave;And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall standBetween their loved homes and the war's desolation;Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven-rescued landPraise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,And this be our motto—"In God is our trust";And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh! say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,In full glory reflected now shines in the stream,—'Tis the star-spangled banner; Oh! long may it wave,O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream,—
'Tis the star-spangled banner; Oh! long may it wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly sworeThat the havoc of war and the battle's confusionA home and a country should leave us no more?Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution.No refuge could save the hireling and slaveFrom the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave;And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave;
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall standBetween their loved homes and the war's desolation;Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven-rescued landPraise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,And this be our motto—"In God is our trust";And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto—"In God is our trust";
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
I was never so profoundly touched with the beauty of our flag as at night time in one of our immense political demonstrations. One of the features of the occasion was the sending upward of a mighty stream of electric light which, piercing the darkness of the night, reached a large flag which had been carried on cords a thousand feet from the earth. The scene was too impressive for me to describe. I can only say that it did seem as though the flag of our country was waving from the very battlements of heaven.... God pity the American citizen who does not love the flag; who does not see in it the story of our great, free institutions, and the hope of the home as well as the Nation.
Your Flag and my Flag!And how it flies to-dayIn your land and my landAnd half a world away!Rose-red and blood-redThe stripes forever gleam;Snow-white and soul-white—The good forefathers' dream;Sky-blue and true blue, with stars to gleam aright—The gloried guidon of the day; a shelter through the night.Your Flag and my Flag!And, oh, how much it holds—Your land and my land—Secure within its folds!Your heart and my heartBeat quicker at the sight;Sun-kissed and wind-tossed,Red and blue and white.The one Flag,—the great Flag—the Flag for me and you—Glorified all else beside—the red and white and blue!Your Flag and my Flag!To every star and stripeThe drums beat as hearts beatAnd fifers shrilly pipe!Your Flag and my Flag—A blessing in the sky;Your hope and my hope—It never hid a lie!Home land and far land and half the world around,Old Glory hears our glad salute and ripples to the sound.
Your Flag and my Flag!And how it flies to-dayIn your land and my landAnd half a world away!Rose-red and blood-redThe stripes forever gleam;Snow-white and soul-white—The good forefathers' dream;Sky-blue and true blue, with stars to gleam aright—The gloried guidon of the day; a shelter through the night.
Your Flag and my Flag!
And how it flies to-day
In your land and my land
And half a world away!
Rose-red and blood-red
The stripes forever gleam;
Snow-white and soul-white—
The good forefathers' dream;
Sky-blue and true blue, with stars to gleam aright—
The gloried guidon of the day; a shelter through the night.
Your Flag and my Flag!And, oh, how much it holds—Your land and my land—Secure within its folds!Your heart and my heartBeat quicker at the sight;Sun-kissed and wind-tossed,Red and blue and white.The one Flag,—the great Flag—the Flag for me and you—Glorified all else beside—the red and white and blue!
Your Flag and my Flag!
And, oh, how much it holds—
Your land and my land—
Secure within its folds!
Your heart and my heart
Beat quicker at the sight;
Sun-kissed and wind-tossed,
Red and blue and white.
The one Flag,—the great Flag—the Flag for me and you—
Glorified all else beside—the red and white and blue!
Your Flag and my Flag!To every star and stripeThe drums beat as hearts beatAnd fifers shrilly pipe!Your Flag and my Flag—A blessing in the sky;Your hope and my hope—It never hid a lie!Home land and far land and half the world around,Old Glory hears our glad salute and ripples to the sound.
Your Flag and my Flag!
To every star and stripe
The drums beat as hearts beat
And fifers shrilly pipe!
Your Flag and my Flag—
A blessing in the sky;
Your hope and my hope—
It never hid a lie!
Home land and far land and half the world around,
Old Glory hears our glad salute and ripples to the sound.
Hats off!Along the street there comesA blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums,A flash of color beneath the sky:Hats off!The flag is passing by!Blue and crimson and white it shines,Over the steel-tipped, ordered lines.Hats off!The colors before us fly;But more than the flag is passing by.Sea-fights and land-fights, grim and great,Fought to make and to save the State:Weary marches and sinking ships;Cheers of victory on dying lips;Days of plenty and years of peace;March of a strong land's swift increase;Equal justice, right and law,Stately honor and reverent awe;Sign of a nation, great and strongTo ward her people from foreign wrong:Pride and glory and honor,—allLive in the colors to stand or fall.Hats off!Along the street there comesA blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums;And loyal hearts are beating high:Hats off!The flag is passing by!
Hats off!Along the street there comesA blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums,A flash of color beneath the sky:Hats off!The flag is passing by!
Hats off!
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums,
A flash of color beneath the sky:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!
Blue and crimson and white it shines,Over the steel-tipped, ordered lines.Hats off!The colors before us fly;But more than the flag is passing by.
Blue and crimson and white it shines,
Over the steel-tipped, ordered lines.
Hats off!
The colors before us fly;
But more than the flag is passing by.
Sea-fights and land-fights, grim and great,Fought to make and to save the State:Weary marches and sinking ships;Cheers of victory on dying lips;
Sea-fights and land-fights, grim and great,
Fought to make and to save the State:
Weary marches and sinking ships;
Cheers of victory on dying lips;
Days of plenty and years of peace;March of a strong land's swift increase;Equal justice, right and law,Stately honor and reverent awe;
Days of plenty and years of peace;
March of a strong land's swift increase;
Equal justice, right and law,
Stately honor and reverent awe;
Sign of a nation, great and strongTo ward her people from foreign wrong:Pride and glory and honor,—allLive in the colors to stand or fall.
Sign of a nation, great and strong
To ward her people from foreign wrong:
Pride and glory and honor,—all
Live in the colors to stand or fall.
Hats off!Along the street there comesA blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums;And loyal hearts are beating high:Hats off!The flag is passing by!
Hats off!
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums;
And loyal hearts are beating high:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!
The flag stands for all that we hold dear—freedom, democracy, government of the people, by the people, and for the people. These are the great principles for which the flag stands, and when that democracy and that freedom and that government of the people are in danger, then it is our duty to defend the flag which stands for them all, and in order to defend the flag and keep it soaring as it soars here to-day, undimmed, unsullied, victorious over the years, we must be ready to defend it, and like the men of '76 and '61, pledge to it our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.
Flag of the heroes who left us their glory,Borne through their battle-fields' thunder and flame,Blazoned in song and illumined in story,Wave o'er us all who inherit their fame!Up with our banner bright,Sprinkled with starry light,Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore,While through the sounding skyLoud rings the Nation's cry,—UNION AND LIBERTY! ONE EVERMORE!Light of our firmament, guide of our Nation,Pride of her children, and honored afar,Let the wide beams of thy full constellationScatter each cloud that would darken a star!Up with our banner bright, etc.Empire unsceptred! What foe shall assail thee,Bearing the standard of Liberty's van?Think not the God of thy fathers shall fail thee,Striving with men for the birthright of man.Up with our banner bright, etc.Yet if, by madness and treachery blighted,Dawns the dark hour when the sword thou must draw,Then with the arms of thy millions united,Smite the bold traitors to Freedom and Law!Up with our banner bright, etc.Lord of the Universe: shield us and guide us,Trusting thee always, through shadow and sun!Thou hast united us, who shall divide us?Keep us, oh keep us the MANY IN ONE!Up withourbanner bright,Sprinkled with starry light,Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore,While through the sounding skyLoud rings the nation's cry,—UNION AND LIBERTY! ONE EVERMORE!
Flag of the heroes who left us their glory,Borne through their battle-fields' thunder and flame,Blazoned in song and illumined in story,Wave o'er us all who inherit their fame!Up with our banner bright,Sprinkled with starry light,Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore,While through the sounding skyLoud rings the Nation's cry,—UNION AND LIBERTY! ONE EVERMORE!
Flag of the heroes who left us their glory,
Borne through their battle-fields' thunder and flame,
Blazoned in song and illumined in story,
Wave o'er us all who inherit their fame!
Up with our banner bright,
Sprinkled with starry light,
Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore,
While through the sounding sky
Loud rings the Nation's cry,—
UNION AND LIBERTY! ONE EVERMORE!
Light of our firmament, guide of our Nation,Pride of her children, and honored afar,Let the wide beams of thy full constellationScatter each cloud that would darken a star!Up with our banner bright, etc.
Light of our firmament, guide of our Nation,
Pride of her children, and honored afar,
Let the wide beams of thy full constellation
Scatter each cloud that would darken a star!
Up with our banner bright, etc.
Empire unsceptred! What foe shall assail thee,Bearing the standard of Liberty's van?Think not the God of thy fathers shall fail thee,Striving with men for the birthright of man.Up with our banner bright, etc.
Empire unsceptred! What foe shall assail thee,
Bearing the standard of Liberty's van?
Think not the God of thy fathers shall fail thee,
Striving with men for the birthright of man.
Up with our banner bright, etc.
Yet if, by madness and treachery blighted,Dawns the dark hour when the sword thou must draw,Then with the arms of thy millions united,Smite the bold traitors to Freedom and Law!Up with our banner bright, etc.
Yet if, by madness and treachery blighted,
Dawns the dark hour when the sword thou must draw,
Then with the arms of thy millions united,
Smite the bold traitors to Freedom and Law!
Up with our banner bright, etc.
Lord of the Universe: shield us and guide us,Trusting thee always, through shadow and sun!Thou hast united us, who shall divide us?Keep us, oh keep us the MANY IN ONE!Up withourbanner bright,Sprinkled with starry light,Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore,While through the sounding skyLoud rings the nation's cry,—UNION AND LIBERTY! ONE EVERMORE!
Lord of the Universe: shield us and guide us,
Trusting thee always, through shadow and sun!
Thou hast united us, who shall divide us?
Keep us, oh keep us the MANY IN ONE!
Up withourbanner bright,
Sprinkled with starry light,
Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore,
While through the sounding sky
Loud rings the nation's cry,—
UNION AND LIBERTY! ONE EVERMORE!
"If you are ever tempted to say a word or to do a thing that shall put a bar between you and your country, pray God in His mercy to take you that instant home to His own heaven. Stick by your family, boy; forget you have a self, while you do everything for them. Think of your home, boy; write and send, and talk about it. Let it be nearer and nearer to your thoughts, the farther you have to travel from it; and rush back to it when you are free. And for your country, boy,"—and the words rattled in his throat,—"and for that flag,"—and he pointed to the ship,—"never dream a dream but of serving her as she bids you, though the service carry you through a thousand hells. No matter what happens to you, no matter who flatters you or who abuses you, never look to another flag, never let a night pass but you pray God to bless that flag. Remember, boy, that behind all these men you have to do with, behind officers, and government, and people even, there is the Country Herself, your Country, and that you belong to Her as you belong to your own mother. Stand by Her, boy, as you would stand by your mother."
And at the masthead,White, blue, and red,A flag unrolls the stripes and stars.Ah! when the wanderer, lonely, friendless,In foreign harbors shall beholdThat flag unrolled,'T will be as a friendly handStretched out from his native land,Filling his heart with memories sweet and endless!
And at the masthead,White, blue, and red,A flag unrolls the stripes and stars.Ah! when the wanderer, lonely, friendless,In foreign harbors shall beholdThat flag unrolled,'T will be as a friendly handStretched out from his native land,Filling his heart with memories sweet and endless!
And at the masthead,
White, blue, and red,
A flag unrolls the stripes and stars.
Ah! when the wanderer, lonely, friendless,
In foreign harbors shall behold
That flag unrolled,
'T will be as a friendly hand
Stretched out from his native land,
Filling his heart with memories sweet and endless!
What shall I say to you, Old Flag?You are so grand in every fold,So linked with mighty deeds of old,So steeped in blood where heroes fell,So torn and pierced by shot and shell,So calm, so still, so firm, so true,My throat swells at the sight of you, Old Flag.What of the men who lifted you, Old Flag,Upon the top of Bunker's Hill,Who crushed the Briton's cruel will,'Mid shock and roar and crash and scream,Who crossed the Delaware's frozen stream,Who starved, who fought, who bled, who died,That you might float in glorious pride, Old Flag?Who of the women brave and true, Old Flag,Who, while the cannon thundered wild,Sent forth a husband, lover, child.Who labored in the field by day,Who, all the night long, knelt to pray,And thought that God great mercy gave,If only freely you might wave, Old Flag?What is your mission now, Old Flag?What but to set all people free,To rid the world of misery,To guard the right, avenge the wrong,And gather in one joyful throngBeneath your folds in close embraceAll burdened ones of every race, Old Flag?Right nobly do you lead the way, Old Flag,Your stars shine out for liberty.Your white stripes stand for purity,Your crimson claims that courage highFor Honor's sake to fight and die.Lead on against the alien shore!We'll follow you e'en to Death's door, Old Flag!
What shall I say to you, Old Flag?You are so grand in every fold,So linked with mighty deeds of old,So steeped in blood where heroes fell,So torn and pierced by shot and shell,So calm, so still, so firm, so true,My throat swells at the sight of you, Old Flag.
What shall I say to you, Old Flag?
You are so grand in every fold,
So linked with mighty deeds of old,
So steeped in blood where heroes fell,
So torn and pierced by shot and shell,
So calm, so still, so firm, so true,
My throat swells at the sight of you, Old Flag.
What of the men who lifted you, Old Flag,Upon the top of Bunker's Hill,Who crushed the Briton's cruel will,'Mid shock and roar and crash and scream,Who crossed the Delaware's frozen stream,Who starved, who fought, who bled, who died,That you might float in glorious pride, Old Flag?
What of the men who lifted you, Old Flag,
Upon the top of Bunker's Hill,
Who crushed the Briton's cruel will,
'Mid shock and roar and crash and scream,
Who crossed the Delaware's frozen stream,
Who starved, who fought, who bled, who died,
That you might float in glorious pride, Old Flag?
Who of the women brave and true, Old Flag,Who, while the cannon thundered wild,Sent forth a husband, lover, child.Who labored in the field by day,Who, all the night long, knelt to pray,And thought that God great mercy gave,If only freely you might wave, Old Flag?
Who of the women brave and true, Old Flag,
Who, while the cannon thundered wild,
Sent forth a husband, lover, child.
Who labored in the field by day,
Who, all the night long, knelt to pray,
And thought that God great mercy gave,
If only freely you might wave, Old Flag?
What is your mission now, Old Flag?What but to set all people free,To rid the world of misery,To guard the right, avenge the wrong,And gather in one joyful throngBeneath your folds in close embraceAll burdened ones of every race, Old Flag?
What is your mission now, Old Flag?
What but to set all people free,
To rid the world of misery,
To guard the right, avenge the wrong,
And gather in one joyful throng
Beneath your folds in close embrace
All burdened ones of every race, Old Flag?
Right nobly do you lead the way, Old Flag,Your stars shine out for liberty.Your white stripes stand for purity,Your crimson claims that courage highFor Honor's sake to fight and die.Lead on against the alien shore!We'll follow you e'en to Death's door, Old Flag!
Right nobly do you lead the way, Old Flag,
Your stars shine out for liberty.
Your white stripes stand for purity,
Your crimson claims that courage high
For Honor's sake to fight and die.
Lead on against the alien shore!
We'll follow you e'en to Death's door, Old Flag!
What is the voice I hearOn the winds of the western sea?Sentinel, listen from out Cape ClearAnd say what the voice may be.'Tis a proud free people calling loud to a people proud and free.And it says to them: "Kinsmen, hail;We severed have been too long.Now let us have done with a worn-out tale—The tale of an ancient wrong—And our friendship last long as love doth last and be stronger than death is strong."Answer them, sons of the self-same race,And blood of the self-same clan;Let us speak with each other face to faceAnd answer as man to man,And loyally love and trust each other as none but free men can.Now fling them out to the breeze,Shamrock, Thistle, and Rose,And the Star-Spangled Banner unfurl with these—A message of friends and foesWherever the sails of peace are seen and wherever the war wind blows—A message to bond and thrall to wake,For wherever we come, we twain,The throne of the tyrant shall rock and quake,And his menace be void and vain,For you are lords of a strong young land and we are lords of the main.Yes, this is the voice on the bluff March gale;We severed have been too long,But now we are done with a worn-out tale—The tale of an ancient wrong—And our friendship shall last long as love doth last and be stronger than death is strong.
What is the voice I hearOn the winds of the western sea?Sentinel, listen from out Cape ClearAnd say what the voice may be.'Tis a proud free people calling loud to a people proud and free.
What is the voice I hear
On the winds of the western sea?
Sentinel, listen from out Cape Clear
And say what the voice may be.
'Tis a proud free people calling loud to a people proud and free.
And it says to them: "Kinsmen, hail;We severed have been too long.Now let us have done with a worn-out tale—The tale of an ancient wrong—And our friendship last long as love doth last and be stronger than death is strong."
And it says to them: "Kinsmen, hail;
We severed have been too long.
Now let us have done with a worn-out tale—
The tale of an ancient wrong—
And our friendship last long as love doth last and be stronger than death is strong."
Answer them, sons of the self-same race,And blood of the self-same clan;Let us speak with each other face to faceAnd answer as man to man,And loyally love and trust each other as none but free men can.
Answer them, sons of the self-same race,
And blood of the self-same clan;
Let us speak with each other face to face
And answer as man to man,
And loyally love and trust each other as none but free men can.
Now fling them out to the breeze,Shamrock, Thistle, and Rose,And the Star-Spangled Banner unfurl with these—A message of friends and foesWherever the sails of peace are seen and wherever the war wind blows—
Now fling them out to the breeze,
Shamrock, Thistle, and Rose,
And the Star-Spangled Banner unfurl with these—
A message of friends and foes
Wherever the sails of peace are seen and wherever the war wind blows—
A message to bond and thrall to wake,For wherever we come, we twain,The throne of the tyrant shall rock and quake,And his menace be void and vain,For you are lords of a strong young land and we are lords of the main.
A message to bond and thrall to wake,
For wherever we come, we twain,
The throne of the tyrant shall rock and quake,
And his menace be void and vain,
For you are lords of a strong young land and we are lords of the main.
Yes, this is the voice on the bluff March gale;We severed have been too long,But now we are done with a worn-out tale—The tale of an ancient wrong—And our friendship shall last long as love doth last and be stronger than death is strong.
Yes, this is the voice on the bluff March gale;
We severed have been too long,
But now we are done with a worn-out tale—
The tale of an ancient wrong—
And our friendship shall last long as love doth last and be stronger than death is strong.
[A portion of an address delivered by the Secretary of the Interior to the employees of the Department of the Interior, on Flag Day, 1914.]
[A portion of an address delivered by the Secretary of the Interior to the employees of the Department of the Interior, on Flag Day, 1914.]
This morning as I passed into the Land Office, The Flag dropped me a most cordial salutation, and from its rippling folds I heard it say: "Good-morning Mr. Flag Maker."
"I beg your pardon, Old Glory," I said, "aren't you mistaken? I am not the President of the United States, nor a member of Congress, nor even a general in the army. I am only a Government clerk."
"I greet you again, Mr. Flag Maker," replied the gay voice; "I know you well. You are the man who worked in the swelter of yesterday straightening out the tangle of that farmer's homestead in Idaho, or perhaps you found the mistake in that Indian contract in Oklahoma, or helped to clear that patent for the hopeful inventor in New York, or pushed the opening of that new ditch in Colorado, or made that mine in Illinois more safe, or brought relief to the old soldier in Wyoming. No matter; whichever one of these beneficient individuals you may happen to be, I give you greeting, Mr. Flag Maker."
I was about to pass on, when The Flag stopped me with these words:—
"Yesterday the President spoke a word that made happier the future of ten million peons in Mexico; butthat act looms no larger on the flag than the struggle which the boy in Georgia is making to win the Corn Club prize this summer.
"Yesterday the Congress spoke a word which will open the door of Alaska; but a mother in Michigan worked from sunrise until far into the night, to give her boy an education. She, too, is making the flag.
"Yesterday we made a new law to prevent financial panics, and yesterday, maybe, a school teacher in Ohio taught his first letters to a boy who will one day write a song that will give cheer to the millions of our race. We are all making the flag."
"But," I said impatiently, "these people were only working!"
Then came a great shout from The Flag:—
"The work that we do is the making of the flag.
"I am not the flag; not at all. I am nothing more than its shadow.
"I am whatever you make me, nothing more.
"I am your belief in yourself, your dream of what a People may become.
"I live a changing life, a life of moods and passions, of heart breaks and tired muscles.
"Sometimes I am strong with pride, when workmen do an honest piece of work, fitting the rails together truly.
"Sometimes I droop, for then purpose has gone from me, and cynically I play the coward.
"Sometimes I am loud, garish, and full of that ego that blasts judgment.
"But always, I am all that you hope to be, and have the courage to try for.
"I am song and fear, struggle and panic, and ennobling hope.
"I am the day's work of the weakest man, and the largest dream of the most daring.
"I am the Constitution and the courts, statutes and the statute makers, soldier and dreadnaught, drayman and street sweep, cook, counselor, and clerk.
"I am the battle of yesterday, and the mistake of to-morrow.
"I am the mystery of the men who do without knowing why.
"I am the clutch of an idea, and the reasoned purpose of resolution.
"I am no more than what you believe me to be, and I am all that you believe I can be.
"I am what you make me, nothing more.
"I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself, the pictured suggestion of that big thing which makes this nation. My stars and my stripes are your dream and your labors. They are bright with cheer, brilliant with courage, firm with faith, because you have made them so out of your hearts. For you are the makers of the flag and it is well that you glory in the making."