But our deeds are doubly hallowed by a nation's smiles and tears.
Will the future find us ready:—ready as in sixty-one,
When we heard the voice of freedom in the boom of Sumter's gun?
Faith and hope and love sustain us, e'en as when we sought to stand
In the forefront of the conflict, the defenders of our land.
From the Union constellation not a single star was rent,
For the wealth of pride and party in a common cause were blent;
And the graceful folds above us, bullet scarred and blood embossed
Are a peerless proclamation of the sacrifice and cost.
Well we know the sacred standard guarding ev'ry soldier's grave