For the better part of nearly 128 years, the majestic Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI) has served as Wall Street's health barometer. What had been an index of 12 predominantly industrial businesses in the late 1800s has, over more than a century, transformed into a 30-component index that's packed with diverse, industry-leading, multinational companies.

Even factoring in the Dow Jones's inherent flaws -- e.g., it's a point-weighted index -- this iconic index can still provide opportunistic long-term investors with a smart place to begin their research and locate amazing deals.

What follows are three Dow stocks you can confidently buy right now and hold forever.

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Source Fool.com