Ode To The Flag

Copyright 7-4-1970 Renewed 2008, Linda Sheehan Cunningham Our nation's flag is a stirring sight As it flutters proudly in the breeze. Its colors of blue, red and white Means so much to you and me; Red stands for courage and hardiness, The white means innocence and purity, Blue for justice, perseverance and vigilance In its promise to keep us free. This banner stands for a bountiful land; Its government, people and ideals, The stripes for the thirteen colonies stand, Its symbolism is very real. Each state now is represented By a star of white on blue. President Washington first presented The AMERICAN FLAG to you. Many brave men have fought and died To protect it from dishonor and disgrace. Wives have mourned and mothers have cried So we could remain . . . The UNITED States. The sight of this banner brings feelings of joy, Of courage, pride and freedom to all. A symbol of our nation in all its glory... On the moon OLD GLORY stands tall. Welcome Home and Thank You, Linda Sheehan Cunningham, 2008

All works © Linda Cunningham

E-MAIL ME HERE flaglady_43@yahoo.com

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING

ODE TO THE FLAG

The Ode To The Flag was written on July 4, 1970 for the dedication of the Riverdale Postal Facility in Riverdale, MD. It was a time when the flag was being burned and of protesting all across the United States. This poem has been in the Congressional Record several times and in many Newspapers, magazines and books. It at least two schools (one in Bowie, MD, and some in Peoria, Ill.) it is a requirement to memorize it. It has been used in hundreds of ceremonies including several at the White House, in public schools, at dedications, Flag presentations, and Flag Day services. Also, patriotic events such as Vietnam and Desert Storm rallies. Locally it has been read and sung on two TV shows and at the dedication of our own new Veteran's Monument at Shenandoah Memorial Cemetery. Joan Rivers read it on her show during Desert Storm, (I heard this from others but did not see it myself).I do know the Ode hangs on thousands of walls all over the world. You can see it on the Internet in several places. I have letters from dignitaries and celebrities including Bob Hope, Carol Burnette, Red Skelton, Johnny Cash, several senators, congressmen, governors, mayors, etc. I have received many letters from the White House signed by assistants, aides and secretaries, but on June 14, 1995 I received a letter from our president, Bill Clinton. I received letters from... West Virginia Governor Gaston Caperton and West Virginia Department of Motor of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Jane L. Cline. I really appreciate it when someone else takes an interest in the ode and helps me get it out there. I worked at the Bowie Post Office when I was asked to write the Ode for the dedication. Many years later I met Alan Trout at a rally here in Winchester at the Court House. We put our talents together and now write many songs together. Alan and his wife and five children moved to Nashville in August 1995. AKA/Rich Armentrout @ Third Coast Live There posters suitable for framing, also 8X11 of the Ode.

Each one includes the "History", updated to the minute!

The SONG is a little different than the Poem, of course, and

is available on Cassette and CD.

e-mail for info .. ME HERE

There is also a C D with 11 Patsy Cline Songs That I sing.

Backstage at the opry.!!

1998 news release here

I am originally from Romney, WV and lived in Winchester, Va. for 16 years.

and I am now in Martinsburg, WV.

The Ode is availible on cassette and also CD .. Also a large

Poster suitable for framing. And it hangs in hundres of places.

See Backstage at the Opry here

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