A MESSAGE FROM THE
SOVEREIGN GRAND COMMANDER

John Wm. McNaughton, 33°

Long May It Wave

When I last checked on Google, there were 10,600,000 results under the rubric, U.S. Flag. What an astounding figure, what almost limitless sites, what an obviously popular subject. Hopefully, most of these sites are supportive and educational and full of inspiration.

At this time of year, more than at other times, I think about the flag and the inspiration we receive on seeing it. I think about all that it represents throughout history; about the dignified celebrations accompanying Veterans Day, and about the thousands of young men and women who serve and have served under our colors at home and in foreign lands. I can say, together with all of you, that I am proud to be an American.

As we take time this month to pay homage to those who have served our country from colonial to present times, may we never forget what so many have given so that we may live our own lives. Without our Armed Forces we might no longer be speaking English, we might know nothing of our four freedoms, and we might not have any trace left of our Masonic fraternity.

As you read the poem, I Am Your Flag, written by Col. Daniel K. Cedusky, USAR, Ret., please reflect upon what your flag, your country, your house of worship, your families, your freedom and your fraternity mean to you. Imagine where you would be without all that has been so richly given to us and at what sacrifice.

I Am Your Flag

I am your flag
I was born on June 14th, 1777

I am more than just cloth shaped into a design.
I am the refuge of the World’s oppressed people.
I am the silent sentinel of Freedom.
I am the emblem of the greatest nation on earth.
I am the inspiration for which American
Patriots gave their lives and fortunes.

I have led your sons and daughters into battle from
Valley Forge to the bloody swamps of Vietnam.
I walk in silence with each of your Honored Dead, to
their final resting place beneath the
Silent White Markers, row upon row.

I have flown through Peace and War, Strife and
Prosperity, and amidst it all I have been respected.
My Red Stripes…Symbolize the blood spilled
In defense of this glorious nation.
My White Stripes…Signify the burning
Tears shed by Americans who
lost their sons and daughters.

My Blue Field…Is indicative of God’s
Heaven under which I fly.
My stars…Clustered together, unify
50 States as one, for God and Country.
“Old Glory” is my nickname,
And proudly I wave on high.

Honor me, respect me, defend me with
Your lives and your fortunes.

Never let my enemies tear me down from my
Lofty position, lest I never return.

Keep alight the fires of patriotism, strive
Earnestly for the spirit of democracy.
Worship Eternal God and keep His commandments.
And I shall remain the bulwark of peace
And freedom for all mankind.

May we then in this season of great thanksgiving and reverence for the gifts of a democratic society, one nation, under God, take time to cherish and give thanks for our friends, our Brothers, our families and our liberties.

Happy Thanksgiving!