by Donald Hancock

Created on: July 03, 2008   Last Updated: August 07, 2009

AN EMBLEM FOR ALL TIME

On the night that Betsy Ross finished the flag, that beautiful Glory,

On that same night she committed herself in thanks to God - to be...

To be all that her fingers and eyes and talents could be

For the country that had given her such an honor.

She had no sense of what the history books would say, of course.

She did not even suspect that anyone would know what she had done,

Beyond the few patriots who had chosen her skill to be worthy.

But she somehow knew in her heart that the flag that she had fashioned

Was special beyond that which anyone there that day could sense in his

Fondest dream.

And so, before any eye had seen it, save herself and God, she held its

Finished seams close to her heart and said with bowed head...

"To Thee and to our sons and daughters I dedicate this dear flag, Oh God.

May it always keep the salty taste of the tears of mothers shed for sons lost in

Battle.

May it show us what freedom is like as it beats Its own rhythm to the free wind

While remaining firmly anchored to the secure mast of principle.

Dear God, may these colors, as they float in the sunshine of a new day

Bring the blush of patriotic love and ardor to the faces of young and old

Who hear the bugle and the drum. With needle and thread and cloth and heart

I offer up this banner to God and country with every ounce of love and sincere

devotion That I own.

May it always fly with respect, without embarrassment or apology, in the eye

And heart of young and old alike. And may God bless this country for which

this emblem stands, forever and ever, Amen."

And with Betsy Ross these many years gone by, we place our own hands

upon its lovely seams And say, "Amen!"

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