THE FLAG GOES BY


HATS OFF
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums
A flash of color beneath the sky

HATS OFF
The flag is passing by
Blue and crimson and white it shines
Over the steel-tipped, ordered lines

HATS OFF
The colors before us fly
But more than the flag is passing by
Sea-fights and land-fights, grim and great
Fought to make and to save the State

HATS OFF
Weary marches and sinking ships
Cheers of victory on dying lips
Days of plenty and years of peace
March of a strong land's swift increase

HATS OFF
Equal justice, right and law
Stately honor and reverend awe
Sign of a nation, great and strong
To ward her people from foreign wrong

HATS OFF
Pride and glory and honor, all
Live in the colors to stand or fall

HATS OFF
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums
And loyal hearts are beating high

HATS OFF
The flag is passing by

Henry Holcomb Bennet

sharron design