Classic Poem

Off with your hat as the flag goes by!
—And let the heart have its say;
You're man enough for a tear in your eye
—That you will not wipe away.

You're man enough for a thrill that goes
—To your very finger-tips—
Ay! the lump just then in your throat that rose
—Spoke more than your parted lips.

Lift up the boy on your shoulder high,
—And show him the faded shred;
Those stripes would be red as the sunset sky
—If death could have dyed them red.

Off with your hat as the flag goes by!
—Uncover the youngster's head;
Teach him to hold it holy and high
—For the sake of its sacred dead.

Off with your hat as the flag goes by!
—And let the heart have its say;
You're man enough for a tear in your eye
—That you will not wipe away.

You're man enough for a thrill that goes
—To your very finger-tips—
Ay! the lump just then in your throat that rose
—Spoke more than your parted lips.

Lift up the boy on your shoulder high,
—And show him the faded shred;
Those stripes would be red as the sunset sky
—If death could have dyed them red.

Off with your hat as the flag goes by!
—Uncover the youngster's head;
Teach him to hold it holy and high
—For the sake of its sacred dead.