A Rhyme for Memorial Day

Keep fond remembrance of thy brave,Columbia! Twice by blood redeemed;Once, from thy foes beyond the wave,And once from evil nearer outschemed.

Bring forth the banners, faded now,Reconsecrate each stain and rentWith patriot pledge and solemn vowTo Freedom’s glorious intent.

Thy champions at the call of FateTheir pleasures and their toil forsook,They left their firesides desolate,But wrote their names in Honor’s book.

Heap high the wreaths above their dust!Sound the war trumpet for their meed,But keep thee faithful to the trustBequeathed in each heroic deed.

Of the shorn beauty of their daysLet Memory her broad blazon make,And point her lesson, while our laysCall the land blessed for their sake.