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"Old Glory" (A Song by Raymond Parsley)
U.S. Navy Commander, Claude Douglas Clower
"Old Glory" is a deeply moving patriotic anthem born from an extraordinary story of resilience. Inspired by the true story of former Prisoner of War Claude Douglas Clower, the song was brought to life through a musical collaboration between Clower's nephew—Texas songwriter Raymond Parsley—and Kat House Studio. Performed by Texas country recording artist Wes McClelland, the track weaves personal sacrifice with an unyielding devotion to the United States of America and the flag.
The song opens as an earnest tribute to the stars and stripes, establishing the colors of red, white, and blue as enduring symbols of freedom, unity, and courage. What sets this song and its tribute apart from other patriotic songs—is its heart-wrenching truth and sacrifice, which draws directly from Clower’s time in captivity: keeping a makeshift flag hidden away behind wire windows, maintaining an unchained heart even when bound by enemy hands.
Driven by a soaring chorus that invites listeners to stand side-by-side with hands over hearts, "Old Glory" moves beyond standard patriotic themes to deliver a poignant call to action—asking every listener to live in a way that makes the flag, and the sacrifices behind it, proud once again.
The Mission and Sacrifce
Unchained Spirit: Honor & Courage "Old Glory"
On November 19, 1967, U.S. Navy Commander (then Lieutenant Commander) Claude Douglas "Doug" Clower flew an F-4B Phantom II with Squadron 151 off the USS Coral Sea. Forced to eject, CDR Clower was immediately captured upon reaching the ground and thrust into a harrowing reality that would span 1,942 days of captivity.
"I'm not a hero. I served with those men, and I mean that. I honor those who gave everything."
U.S. Navy Commander, Claude Douglas Clower
"Performing 'Old Glory' is one of the single highest honors of my music career. When you sing lyrics born directly from the sacrifice of a U.S. war hero like Doug Clower, you aren't just singing a song—you’re carrying a holy trust."
Wes McClelland, Texas Singer-Songwriter
"Old Glory" (Song Lyrics)
Words and Music by: Raymond Parsley Music (BMI) Performed by: Wes McClelland Produced by: Greig Smithy Recorded at: Kat House Studio and Productions, Beaumont, TX Copyright: © 2025 Raymond Parsley
(Verse 1)
God knows I love her
She’s been so true
She wears the colors
Of red, white, and blue
Her stripes stand for freedom
Her stars shining through
Forever united
In red, white, and blue
(Chorus 1)
Let’s stand together
Hands over hearts
Honor and courage
She gave from the start
Let’s stand together
Faithful and true
Pledge to Old Glory
The red, white, and blue
(Instrumental Break - Solo)
(Verse 2)
I’ll salute every mornin’
With pride in my eyes
I’ll lift her colors
And let freedom fly
Come stand next to me
And help me defend
And we’ll guard Old Glory
Until the end
(Chorus 2)
Let’s stand together
Faithful and true
Pledge to her glory
The red, white, and blue
Let’s all stand together
Side-by-side and hand-in-hand
And we’ll make Old Glory proud of us again
Let’s make Old Glory proud of us again
(Tag)
We'll make Old Glory—proud of us again
