"Yesterday we made a new law to prevent financial panics, and yesterday, maybe, a school teacher in Ohio taught his first letters to a boy who will one day write a song that will give cheer to the millions of our race. We are all making the flag."
"But," I said impatiently, "these people were only working."
Then came a great shout from The Flag:
"THE WORK that we do is the making of the flag.
"I am not the flag; not at all. I am but its shadow.
"I am whatever you make me, nothing more.
"I am your belief in yourself, your dream of what a people may become.
"I live a changing life, a life of moods and passions, of heartbreaks and tired muscles.
"Sometimes I am strong with pride, when men do an honest work, fitting the rails together truly.
"Sometimes I droop, for then purpose has gone from me, and cynically I play the coward.