Now Hear This: Old Glory still stands proud
She stood proud, and resolute ? in command, and spoke with the voice of authority:
I was born June 14, 1777. I waved as the first musket fired to defend freedom. In the beginning my purpose was clear, and concise. Fashioned, and chiseled from the hearts, and minds of brilliant, and courageous men steadfast and determined in their cause. The mandate I was given was unalterable. America was young and immature unaware of the many battles to face. But as each one came, and each conflict met, the country gained strength, resolve, and direction. Mistakes were made ? plenty in fact, but with each blunder the focus became sharper, and the desire to succeed more intense.
I watched, and waved as wagons filled with families, possessions, and dreams headed west. Their struggle was immense, and costly as they pioneered across land that was unchartered, and hostile. Graves with handmade crosses guided those that would follow.
I watched, and waved as the railroad made its way toward the new frontier. Under my watch came “electric power,” the “steam ship,” the “agricultural” and “industrial” revolutions. I was there for each and every triumph. Large and small.
When my country called me into service in the Civil War, World War I, II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, The Gulf War ? and now Iraq. I was proud to serve on those battlefields with names, and no names. With every American soldier who fell, in those places, a part of me died as well. I endured the social conflicts of this country, with regret, and sadness. And, through it all I was spit upon, tattered and torn, burned and desecrated.
Still, I continue to wave with pride. I am there (so far) in your schools, churches, and halls of congress. I am never more exalted than when the national anthem is sung at each and every sporting event from coast to coast.
My colors never change!
What’s my name, you ask? Just call me Old Glory
Would you be surprised to know I was retired once, in Nashville? Here’s my story.
Old Glory was coined by Captain Stephen Driver, a shipmaster of Salem, Massachusetts, in 1831. Captain Driver retired to Nashville in 1837, taking his treasured flag from his sea days with him. When the Civil War erupted, and Tennessee seceded from the Union, rebel forces were determined to destroy his flag, but repeated searches revealed no trace of the hated banner.
When Union troops captured Nashville and raised the American flag over the capital it was rather small and folks began asking Captain Driver if Old Glory existed. He went home and began ripping at the seams of his bedcover. As the stitches holding the quilt-top unraveled, onlookers peered inside and saw the 24-starred, original Old Glory!
The captain gently gathered up the flag and returned to the capital. Though he was 60 years old, Captain Driver climbed up the tower and replaced the smaller banner with his beloved flag.
I have millions of stories. You just heard one of the oldest.
Remember, where ever you go, whatever you do, always in your heart, I’m the RED, WHITE, and BLUE!
May GOD bless AMERICA!
(Hope Hines is a television sports reporter and Nashville personality.)