O, say can you see…

The brave soldiers from today and years past

By the dawn’s early light…

As they ready for battle before the sun is up

What so proudly we hailed…

With pride and strength

At the twilight’s last gleaming…

Late into the night and morning too

Whose broad stripes and bright stars…

The American Flag is the picture of strength and honor

Through the perilous fight…

From the Revolutionary War until now in Iraq and Afghanistan

O’er the ramparts we watched…

And we still watch today

Were so gallantly streaming…

Waving with grace and dignity

And the rockets’ red gleaming…

And now with mortar shells

The bombs bursting in air…

And IED’s exploding all around

Gave proof through the night…

Through the centuries too

That our flag was still there…

And will continue to fly over our Great Country

O! Say does that star spangled banner yet wave…

In triumph and victory

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave…

Because of the brave.

My sincere thanks to all of the brave men and women who have given so much for our FREEDOM.  My uncle, grandfathers and my nephew, I thank you and respect you more than words can express.