Sayonara Father Terry

We had the honor of attending another retirement ceremony last friday for Father Terry. Father Terry is retiring from the navy after 20 years at the age of 72. We believe he is the oldest Lieutenant in the Navy. Due to his age when he entered the Navy he agreed to no promotion during his time in the Navy. He was honored with letters from both former President Bush and current President Bush. My favorite part of the retirement was the Passing of the Flag which I was able to video so you can all see that and also the bagpipes that arrived at the end to play Amazing Grace. I hope that you all enjoy this video as much as I do. Here is what is said by the narrator during the passing.

Old Glory I am the flag of the United States of America. My name is Old Glory. I fly atop of 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 every battle of every war for more than 200 years: Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, the deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Philippines, the rice paddies and jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Guadalcanal, New Britain, Peleliu, and many more islands and a score of places long forgotten by all but those who were with me. I was there. I led soldiers – I followed them. I watched over them. They loved me. I was on a small hill on Iwo Jima. I was dirty, battle-worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me, and I was proud. I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt, for I am invincible. I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my own country, and when it is by those with whom I have served in battle, it hurts. But I shall overcome – for I am strong. I have slipped the bonds of earth and stand watch over the uncharted new frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon. I have been a silent witness to all of America’s finest hours. But my finest hour comes when I am torn into strips to be used for 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 graveside of her fallen son. I am proud. My name is Old Glory. Dear God, long may I wave.