Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders.
Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.
If our eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from his honor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation’s gratitude, the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.
Additional Reading:
Memorial Day Part I: Letters bring a war back to life
Memorial Day Part II: Battle of the Bulge
On War and Love: From the 1860s
CIA Pilot From French Era In Vietnam Laid To Rest
Helo Pilot Gets Medal of Honor for Rescue of 70; Flew 22 Missions in 14 Hours
Medal of Honor Recipients Gather at the Pentagon; Share Stories of War
Tribute to Admiral Joe Metcalf, “Warrior” and Alacrity Personified
9-11 memorial takes shape at Pentagon
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