Pro Patria (1917)/Under the Flag

←The American People to the Allies

Under the Flag by Florence Earle Coates

Address of President Wilson to the Congress of the United States, April 2, 1917→

UNDER THE FLAG

February 5, 1917

Under our own flag, still we will sail her—    Gallantly sail her, our own Ship of State; Faiths we have lived by still shall avail her,    Hope at her prow, wing'd, expectant, elate! Over the deeps of a perilous ocean,    Honor compelling, we still will sail on; Giving, unfearing, a loyal devotion,    Until, in life—in death, danger is gone. Deem not that we, whom our fathers before us    Taught to love freedom and died to make free, Coward shall fly, while the Heavens are o'er us,    Craft of the ether or boats under sea. There is in valor that hearkens to duty—    Something that dearer may be than long years; And in man's service may be a beauty    Higher than glory, and deeper than tears.