Good morning, everyone and welcome!

Thanks Mike, for that warm introduction. Let me start by saying… happy birthday Navy! It’s great to be here in the City of Brotherly Love, the birthplace of our United States Navy … as we celebrate the rich heritage of the world’s most fearsome, lethal, and globally dominant force.

Mayor Parker, Flag and General Officers, MCPON Perryman, Navy Sailors, Marines, civilians, veterans, families and friends … it is an honor and a privilege to be with you this morning.

Thank you for making the time to be here today. What a fitting occasion it is to be here at City Hall, as we take a moment to recognize what this is all about, the raising of our National Ensign, the Stars and Stripes of our democracy… the American Flag.   

Now, instead of proceeding with the story of our Navy’s founding, the request by our Second Continental Congress in 1775 for a “fleet of sufficient force for the protection of these colonies” …  I want to spend my time with you this morning sharing a poem titled “Old Glory”.

For those who have served or continue to serve, you might recognize this.

Traditionally, this poem is delivered during retirement ceremonies for our veterans or at funerals honoring those who have served.

But, this morning, in remembrance of the thousands who gave their last full measure of devotion, I thought it would be appropriate to share this moving tribute in recognition of our National Ensign.

It’s a personal favorite of mine – a powerful piece that chronicles the enduring legacy of our great Nation and an inspiring story for all Americans who revere our beloved flag.

I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is "Old Glory".

I fly atop the world's tallest buildings. I stand watch in America’s halls of justice. I fly majestically over great institutions of learning. I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world.

Look up and see me!

I stand for peace, honor, truth, and justice. I stand for freedom.

I am confident. I am arrogant. I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners, my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer … I bow to no one!

I am recognized all over the world.

I am worshipped, I am saluted. I am respected, I am revered. I am loved, and I am feared!

I have fought in every battle of every war for 250 years:

I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh, and Appomattox.

I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, and the beaches of Normandy.

Guam, Okinawa, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and a score of places long forgotten by all
except those who were there know me.

I was there! I led my Sailors and Marines, I followed them, I watched over them, and they loved me!

I was on a small hill on Iwo Jima, I was dirty, battle worn and tired but my Sailors and Marines cheered me … I was proud!

I was at Ground Zero in New York City on September 11th as cowardly fanatics attacked America.

I was raised from the ashes of once proud buildings by brave firefighters. Heroes, who risked their lives to save others, showing all that America, although bloodied, will never be beaten.

Those who would destroy me cannot win, for I am the symbol of freedom … one Nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free. But, it does not hurt, for I am invincible.

I have been soiled, burned, torn, and trampled in the streets of my own country … and when it is by those whom I have served with in battle, it hurts.

But, I shall overcome, for I am strong!

I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, and from my vantage point on the moon, I stand watch over the uncharted new frontiers of space.

I have been a silent witness to all of America’s finest hours …

But my finest hour comes when I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the field of battle …

When I fly at half-mast to honor my soldiers…

And when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving mother, at the grave of her fallen son or daughter.

I am proud!

My name is "OLD GLORY" … long may I wave dear God, long may I wave.

Thank you.