The Old Confederate Battle Flag


Dear old sister Battle Flag
With all your wear and tear
Please help me understand why
I was taken down and now looked upon with spite.

 Oh my young sister
Those that took you down
Are the ones that should be looked upon with spite.

 Let me tell you my story so you can see from whence you came.
For you see I was there.
It was me that flew over the camps in the early morning
And had the smoke from the campfire caress me.
It was me that heard the men talk of home and of their families.
It was me that heard them laugh among themselves
And silently pray when alone.

 It was me the Flag Bearer held tight.
It was me that heard the Reb Yell as into battle they ran.
It was me that had the smoke from gunfire forever embedded in my fabric.
It was me that was falling when my carrier was mortally wounded.
It was me that NEVER hit the ground
For another soldier was there to catch me.

 Then after the battle it was me that had to hear the cries of the wounded.
It was me that had to smell the blood.
It was me that also had the sweet sick smell of death flow over my stars.
It was me that had to see brother bury brother.

 When it was me they carried into battle the next day.
It was me that NEVER saw these men give up or give in.
It was me that did see them grow old and weary of battle.
It was me that they gingerly folded and
risked their life to hide when the South fell.

 You see my young sister you have a rich heritage and history.
You are not alone,
For I see those that are fighting for you to return to your place of honor.
These men and women are the none other than the
Sons and Daughters of my men.
Yes they fight a different battle,
But they fight with the same conviction as their Fathers before them.

 So my young sister flag I say to you,
There is no shame in honoring our past.
Worry not young sister for
YOU WILL BE RESTORED TO
YOUR PLACE OF HONOR.

 Charles W. Lee
5th Brigade, Mississippi Division
Sons of Confederate Veterans
July 16, 2000

Music "Cruel War"
And what a cruel war it was for both the North and South.