| As I walked by the American
flag, it waved freely in the breeze as if to say "Hi, I know you well!"
You are the man that was plowing the field or perhaps, the factory worker
or maybe a neighbor listening with your heart. No matter, whichever
one of these individuals you may happen to be, I greet you, Mr. Flag Maker.
I was out to leave, when the flag waved again and stopped me. Yesterday, a mother comforts her child, or a school teacher stands over her student, teaching him his first letters. She is making the flag! But, I thought these people were only working! Then the flag stopped waving, as if to say -- the work we do is making the flag. I'm whatever you make me - nothing more . I'm your belief in yourself, your dreams, what people may become. I live in a changing America, a life of moods, passions, of heartbreaks and tired muscles. Sometimes, I'm strong with pride, when we do a honest day's work. I'm all that you hope to be and the courage to try for it. I'm the song and the fear, struggle and pains, and exalted hope. I'm the day's work and hold the largest of dreams. I'm the constitution, the courts, the counselor, the cook, the street sweeper and soldier. I'm the battle of yesterday and the mistakes or tomorrow. I'm the mystery of men who do without knowing why. I'm no more than what you believe me to be and all that you believe I can be! I'm what you make of me, nothing more! I wave before your eyes as a bright gleam of colors, a symbol of yourselves, the images suggestion of big things which make this nation. My Stars and Stripes are your dreams and labors. They are bright with cheer, brilliant with courage, firm with faith because you have made them out of your hearts. For you are the makers of the flag and it is well that you glory in the making of the American Flag! For we together make this the greatest nation in the world!! GOD BLESS THE U.S.A. By Marsha Heger Glassburn
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