The Making Of The Flag

Fivescore and forty years ago, Fivescore and forty years,-- This land was but an infant, then, The child of blood and tears.

To-day a mighty nation, A hundred million souls Are nurtured by her splendid strength, Are mustered on her rolls.

But even in that long ago, That time of stress and strife, When Liberty, beset by foes, Was battling for her life,

E’en then, they waved a standard, They made Britannia yield; The crosses of her patron saints Still blazoned on its field.

But for new times, new customs; Columbia, from her throne, With goddess-pride demanded A banner of her own.

The Continental Congress, O’erheard Columbia’s call And to fulfill her mandate Its members gathered all.

“Resolved,” they vowed in conclave,-- So history relates. “A proud new Flag befits the pride Of these United States.

“Its stripes of white and crimson Shall thirteen states unite; The Union be denoted By thirteen stars of white.”

They sought no novel colors; What colors should there be Save white for Faith and blue for Hope And red for Liberty?

And when they’d planned the banner, The Fathers straight went down With Washington to Betsy Ross, Of Philadelphy town.

Her needlework was noted Wherever art was prized; The Flags she wrought were famous, Her skill was recognized.

So Betsy, blooming Betsy, A patriot’s widow, she, Was first to cut and fashion The Flag of Liberty.

Oh, Betsy, blessed Betsy, What name or fame can be So sweet as yours who ’broidered The Banner of the Free?

The Flag your art created, Where’er it be unfurled, Proclaims the Rights of Freemen, The Safety of the World.