I Am Old Glory

I stand at the head
of a band of brothers
courageous and honorable
I lead them down the street
marching in my shadow
bystanders wave and cheer
as I pass by
But not one stands
not one salutes
An old man in a wheelchair
tired and worn
his eyes light up when he sees me
he struggles to stand
he reaches his feet and totters
for a moment
Then as I pass by
his hand comes up
he salutes me
I snap straight in the breeze
and salute in return
he smiles
and falls back in his chair
I know him
he is an old friend
he carried me
on a battlefield long ago
tattered and worn
he rescued me
from the jaws of the enemy
he fought for my cause
had I asked
he would have gladly given his life
Who am I?
I am a symbol
of a great cause
a idea most precious
dearer than life
I am the first into battle
last to retreat
but never for long
what I represent
one cannot defeat
What cause do I stand for?
What symbolize I?
That jewel among jewels,
Freedom.