When a sailor retires and departs the ship for the final time it is said to be bad luck for the Sailor's shadow to touch land before the sailor, so the Sailor's shipmates will traditionally construct a sturdy box in which to display the momentos of the Sailor's accomplishments, symbolically creating a "Shadow" of the Sailor, which will remain onboard until the box can be given to the Sailor at a later time on shore.

Ideally, a Shadow Box serves not only as a reminder of achievements and accomplishments, but as a summation of a carrier. These usually include awards, medals, duty stations, insignias, rating badges, and uniform devices showing the Sailor's progression through the ranks. The National Flag is placed inside the Shado Box to symbolize the country that has benefited from the faithful service of the recipient of the shadow box.

I am the Flag of the United States of America. My name is OLD GLORY. I fly atop the world's tallest buildings I stand watch in America's Halls of Justice. I fly majestically over Great Institutions of Learning. I stand guard with the Greatest Military power in the World. LOOK UP! and see ME!

I stand for Peace Honor Truth and Justice. I stand for Freedom!! I am confident I am arrogant I am proud. When I am flown with my fellow banners, my head is held a little higher - my colors are a little truer

I BOW TO NO ONE! I am recognized all over the world. I am worshipped - I am saluted - I am respected - I am Revered - I am loved - I am Feared!!

For more than 200 years, I have fought in Every battle of Every war; Gettysburg, Shiloh, Appomattox, San Juan Hill, The Trenches of France, the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, The Beaches of Normandy the jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Tarawa, Korea, Vietnam and in the heat of the Persian Gulf and a score of other places. Long forgotten by all, but those who were there with me. I was there. I led my Sailors and Marines, I followed them, I watch over them, they Love Me. I was on a small hill on Iwo Jima. I was dirty battle torn and tired but my Sailors and Marines Cheered Me!!!! I WAS PROUD! I have been soiled burned torn and trampled on the streets of countries that I have helped to set Free. It does not Hurt for I am invincible.

I have been soiled burned torn and trampled on the streets of my own country And when it is done by those whom with I have served in battle. It HURTS!!! But I shall Overcome for I am strong!!

I have slipped the surely bounds of earth and, from my vantage point on the moon, I stand watch over the New Frontiers of Space. I have been the silent witness to all of America's finest hours. But my finest hour comes when I am torn into strips, To be used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the Field of Battle When I fly half mast to Honor my Sailors and Marines and when I lie in the trembling arms of a Grieving Mother - at the graveside of her fallen son or daughter I am proud!

My Name is "Old Glory" Long May I Wave Dear God, Long may I wave.