Memorial Poems

The Flag
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The following poem, entitled THE FLAG, was inspired by family lore that the actual 52nd GA Infantry Battleflag was returned to Blairsville, GA by Mrs Autry's great-grandfather Martin VanBuren Garrett after he walked home from Vicksburg following its surrender. The poem was first recited at the 1997 Battle of Resaca in Resaca, GA. THE FLAG has also received the Editors' Choice Award by the International Poetry Society.

THE FLAG

by Eunice Jones Autry

My grandfather's flag was tattered and torn,

After four years of battle was dirty and worn,

With devotion to duty he so proudly held high,

He would hold it so gently, with tears in his eyes.

Remembering the days that it flew brave and bold

All the young soldiers marching, was a sight to behold.

They fought "Oh!" So bravely, outnumbered to the end

But, when they surrendered their pride did not bend.

The flag then was folded and hidden away

In my grandfather's jacket, it came home to stay.

As my fathers before me, I pause once a year

To display it proudly with a prayer and a cheer.

My grandfather's flag "Long May It Fly"

I will honor and cherish it until the day that I die.

And when I am buried, so deep in the ground

Let it fly over me with flowers around.

My grandfather's flag was tattered and torn,

After four years of battle was dirty and worn,

With devotion to duty he so proudly held high,

He would hold it so gently, with tears in his eyes.

Remembering the days that it flew brave and bold

All the young soldiers marching, was a sight to behold.

They fought "Oh!" So bravely, outnumbered to the end

But, when they surrendered their pride did not bend.

The flag then was folded and hidden away

In my grandfather's jacket, it came home to stay.

As my fathers before me, I pause once a year

To display it proudly with a prayer and a cheer.

My grandfather's flag "Long May It Fly"

I will honor and cherish it until the day that I die.

And when I am buried, so deep in the ground

Let it fly over me with flowers around.

The breeze blowing softly seems to murmur a sigh,

"I will honor and cherish it until the day that I die."

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