PROTECT THE FLAG

We hail with delight a tattered flag That’s darkened with battle-stains. But never one that’s a battered flag, The victim of storms and rains. We may wave a banner, service-torn, That led in a gallant fray, But flaunt no ensign that’s weather-worn, No bunting that’s had its day. The flag that has served is a sacred flag, No matter how worn it be; The one that’s neglected is nobody’s flag, That nobody cares to see. Protect “Old Glory,” nor let it rack, Like a storm-rent sail at sea; No slight must sully, no insult stain The star-sown flag of the Free.