Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1843-07-13
WOODSTOCK, VIRGINIA: JULY Is. 1913

u on freedoms altar diifuses abroad a
more than fragrant sweetness-this day
; has been appropriately selected, by those
whose aoiU is sovereign laW to modern as
it was to ancient Chivalry, for the pur-
pose Of awarding tribute of respect 10
those whose gaIIantry as Soldiers, and
whose virtues as Citizens. have won
them the generous and endearing attach
ments of g the Sex.''
4 THIS Banner-the delicate workman.
ship of Beauty's hands-I am honored
with presenting to the Woodstock Volun-
!. teers, as testimonial of their worth
, their gallartry--their patriotism. 1t is
a gift worthy of the occasion; and in
woke for it reception commensurate to
its worth.
! That Flag! who can behold it without
commingled emotions? How repIete
with instruction to the contemplative
mind! how rich in historic incident
how cheering to the PATRIOTS heart.-.
Emblematic of our nations rise and pro :.
gress, it speaks in mute but impressive
eloquence of by-gone days. Who can
gaze upon it without recurring to the
+" times that tried mems souls" We
there read the opening drama of the Re-
voIution-the blood-stained streets Of
Lexington and Concord-of Bunker
Hill, where Prescott fought and Warren
fell-of Saratoga and Ballston-of Eu-
( taw and Camden-ay! and Of that slo-
rious consummation-the memorable
surrender Of British arms, upon the
plains of Yorktown!
Since the era of '76, period of dark
ness and Of doubt, when Thirteen Stars
(-emblems of the Old Thirteen Colo
nies-bespangled our Flag, how changed
the scene! Now, szsirsa.sa, tagsnty ilIu-
mine its folds, and,ssaas titnse a bright
and beauteous sisterhood. And it re<I
quires no prophets vision to foresee that
new accessions are destined to shed their
lustre over it, and brighten, as star after
star is added to that brilliant constella-
ton, the galaxy of American glory.
But oh! how transcendantly sublime
the contemplation, that every star that
spangles the azure of our political frma-
ment sheds the beams of Peace alone. |
from the moment that it took its station
there, down to the present hour. Long
may it so continue! May the Banner of
our Country wave in triumph-not al
stripe erased nor star obliterated- -
It'll the last syllable of recorded
| Time !!'' !
Volunteerss tas you this Flag is pre-
sented, with all its proud and glorious
and thrilling associations. AS it flutters
in the breeze, you will ever be reminded
of Washington and his generous ally
the brave, the noble Lafayette of Their
gallant Jasper, who, when its staff was
shivered, leaped upon the ramparts and
held it aloft, as a beacon Of terror to cur
foes and of triumph to our friends: Of
Poinsett, who, when about to be attacked J,
by an Infatuated soldiery, boldly marched
into the streets Of Mexico. and proudly
pointed to those stars and stripes as the
sole esis of his protection: of the chlval
rous Porter. who, when summoned by
the God of Battles from the theatre Of
his earthly glory, in his dying moments
prayed that his last, long sleep might be
beneath his Country's Flag!
But above all will YOU be reminded of
one who, though dead, liveth, and will
ever live, fresh in the remembrance of
grateful nation, so long as that Flag
shall grace the wooden walls of our Re-
public. aIude to him who, at the
bombardment Of Fort McHcnrv, caught
the inspiration of Genius. and gave to
the 9 Star Spanged Banner'' an imper-
ishable renown, and to himself, the au-
thorsd that consecrated national air, an
und yiiex.lame. Yes, immortal Key! our
| Flag is still here.
!" And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph
doth wave
t o'e. the land Of the free an1 the home Of the
r brave"
1t is presented as the appropriate en-
blcm of our Country's Glory and De-
5 fence! Should you be called TO the
. " tented field" and, amid the din of arms
and the strife ofacontending hosts, your
spirits faint within you, LOOKsALOFl!
t and as you behold, streaming IN the. air.
that glorious Banner, your hopes will
brighten and your faith grow strong
t The Genius of Liberty, our Country's
] Guardian Angel, is ever there!
: But whatever of veal or woe betide
a YOU, when battling in Freedoms cause,
5 remember the mandate of Beauty is, to
+ return " Nth or upon your shields - II
: conquerors, your Country's Flag will
$ grace your triun,phs: if martyrs, her
b colors will enshroud your biers!
Citizen Soldier:
f |"S So live, that when thy summons comes to
join
I, The innumerabfe caravan that moves
= To that mysterious realm where each shall
" take
l. His chamber in the silent halls of death,
j. Thou go not, like the quarry slave at night,
n Scourged TO his dungeon; but, sustained ane
soothed
!, By an unfalte ring trust, approach thy grave