You’re a Grand Old Flag

You’re a grand old flag,

You’re a high flying flag,

And forever in peace may you wave,

You’re the emblem of the Land I love,

The home of the free and the brave.

Every heart beats true

‘Neath the red, white, and blue,

Where there’s never a boast or brag,

But should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

American flag photograph by Erin O'Shea.

Happy Flag Day! Who else remembers Flag Day in elementary school? We’d all dress up in red, white, and blue, answer questions about the flag, and have a ceremony outside around the flag pole. One of my teachers had us sing “You’re a Grand Old Flag” after reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, every single day. Though, until recently, I hadn’t realized that those verses above are only the chorus of a song.

“You’re a Grand Old Flag” was written by George M. Cohan in 1906. He wrote it for his stage musical, George Washington, Jr. Find out more at the Library of Congress song collection.