It isn't just a flag to us but part of who we are,
It flew astern from every ship we sailed.
From Liverpool to Singapore and through the Panama
It filled us with a pride which never failed
Sometimes tattered, sometimes torn, raised each day at morning's dawn,
It told the world of who we are and where.
And across the seven oceans it weathered every storm
To keep our country strong, and firm, and fair.
It flew not just in peacetime but bravely went to war
Where the conflict raged across a flaming sea,
And it shrouds our fallen shipmates upon the ocean floor
Who gave their lives to keep our nation free.
No politician's pen stroke can take away the pride
That wells within to see that flag unfurled
And they'll not besmirch the memory of all of those who died
In every ocean on our fragile world.
Our flag must stay until the day we have no ships to sail
And the piper sadly wails the last lament,
And we'll leave it then to history to tell the famous tale
Of a flag which flew with pride where ere it went.
So join the battle, show no fear, let our banner fly,
Let it sail through stormy waters and grace the morning sky.
And when we all must heed the call to make the final muster,
One last request, just let us rest, beneath the old Red Duster.

David Partridge 2004