The Charm of ‘Old Glory’
By Dick Perue
This inspirational poem appeared in the July 14, 1918, issue of the Shawnee Record listed as “Independent in Politics – Progressive in Spirit” published at Shawnee, Converse County.
When Freedom was born, ‘mid oppression and strife,
Her halo was blazon’d in hues of the sky,
With stripes for the struggles and duties of life
And stars for the light of Jehovah on High.
Now, in peace and in war, that fair emblem of yore
We salute as “Old Glory,” the flag we adore.
May that “Star Spangled Banner” in glory e’er wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Its cheerful red glow warms the blood from brave sires
And sparkles for courage, for ardor and might;
Its rippling white stripes glint the light that inspires
When Freedom and Duty in service unite,
And its heavenly blue, with the stars shining thru,
Heralds union and strength for the faithful and true.
May that “Star Spangled Banner” for righteousness wave
O’re the land of the free and the home of the brave!
When Washington’s men, with great perils to face,
Were crudely equip’d and in dire distress
This charm of “Old Glory,” its promise and grace,
Brought chivalrous aid and insured our success.
To old-foes and old friends now “Old Glory” extends
The support that our Freedom, in power, defends.
May that “Star Spangled Banner” in honor e’re wave
O’er a chivalrous land and the home of the brave!
Wherever that flag proudly floats in the haze
Of havoc and conflict between Right and Might,
Its many new stars and the cheer of their rays
Should brighten the sky for the Allies of Right.
May its radiance be shed and, in triumph, be spread
Over all the valorous service ahead;
And the “Star Spangled Banner” forever shall wave
O’re the land of the free and the home of the brave!
(Repeat)
(“Mid the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,”
May “Old Glory” inspire all the brave “over there!”)
– W. I. Chambers in Milwaukee Sentinel
