~American Flag Defined~

This flag means more than association and reward 

It is the symbol of our national unity, our national endeavor, our national aspiration 

It tells you of the struggle for independence, of union preserved, of liberty and union 

One and inseparable, of the sacrifices of brave men and women to whom the ideals 

And honor of this nation have been dearer than life

It means America first, it means an individual allegiance 

It means America United, strong and efficient, equal to Her tasks

It means that you cannot be saved by the valour and devotion of your ancestors, 

That to each generation comes its patriotic duty, and that upon your willingness 

To sacrifice and endure as those before you have sacrificed and endured rests the national hope

It speaks of equal rights, of the inspiration of free institutions exemplified 

And vindicated, of liberty under law intelligently conceived and impartially administered 

~Broken187Soul~

~From A Speech Delivered in 1916