A Creed

To keep in mind from day to day

That I'm a soldier in the fray;

That I must serve, from sun to sun,

As well as he who bears a gun

The flag that flies above us all,

And answer well my Country's call.

I must not for one hour forget

Unto the Stars and Stripes my debt.

‘ Twas spotless on’ my day of birth,

And when at last I quit this earth

Old Glory still must spotless be

For all who follow after me.

At some post where my work will fit

I must with courage do my bit;

Some portion of myself I'd give

That freedom and the Flag may live.

And in some way I want to feel

That I am doing service real.

I must in all I say and do

Respect the red, the white and blue’,

Nor dim with petty deeds of shame

The splendor of Old Glory's fame;

I must not let my standards drag,

For my disgrace would stain the Flag.