The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1877-09-26

thank you, the donor, and those
whose fair hands have made this
flag, for the beautiful gift. ! would
gladly frame words expressive of
their appreciation, but simple words
can convey at this time only a faint
idea of the feelings of men banded
together, as we are, to defend the
firesides of those that dwell wherever
this emblem has right to be
unfurled.
We are happily reminded that you
have deemed it proper to give it to
us on the day ever to be remembered
by Louisiana, as the anniversary of
her independence, and we are re-
minded that we have those at home
TO protect, that we call by the dear
names of mother, wife, sister, sweet
heart or friend; words chat to the
soldier speak volumes of love and
fill the greatest measure Of his
thoughts.
None can so fully appreciate home
and its loved ones, and the charm of
those words, as The soldier sitting by
distant camp fires, or wounded on
bloody fields of battle, or pining in
prisons Of the enemy.
This flag, like ones national ban
ner, seen in foreign waters after a
long voyage from home, fills US with
love for our State, so long struggling
for sweet liberty, that we almost
questioned her dwelling in our Dor.
ders. Yes, three years ago to-day
we felt that "forbearaDce had ceased
to be yi'oue;" and in the strength
of our belief we dared to assert oul
manhood, add drive from our midsr
those rulers who, like the vampires
were fatteniDg in self satisfaction
while deSouring our substance
crushing our hopes, destroying ou
homes and bringing misery and wan
to our loved oles. Verify, it wa.
like the scourgirg of the money
changers from the temple In days o
old. Sudden happiness dawned up
on US and the spirit Of liberty tina
was awakened has assnrelly brough
independence TO our State and nation
as did that memorable declaration O
independence made bv our forefath
ers on the Fourth of July, 1776
| Brave, noble fades then cheered Ii
on, and through the dark days Of til
dark years that encircled us non
were so patient, so patriotic, so eel
tain of our success at all times a
those loved ones at home. On
cause was remembered by them i
the active duties Of life, the Absorb
} ing cares of home and in The hour G
prayer Quickly hope brought SUI
cess on wings Of labor and love, an
to-day we can raise the flag of OF
State again in just pride, for we are
free people. Look at that emblem
) a fond mother feeding her youn
, from the blood of her bosom.
t shall ever remind us of Louisiar
and the love we bear for her.
Ladies, again we thank you {,
i this beautiful flag. We will treasu
= this gift, and whenever we see it v
: will remember the dear ones th
TO us to Protect them, and the hon,
of their Louisiana. We will remer
: Der tue blood of those who fell on q
t Fourteenth Of September--marty
" that offered up their life's blot
y TO seal the victory for Liberty. T
> day minute guns have sounded the
requiem, and to day their gray
L have been thickly strewn with Fl
y grant flowers. And when in &
. days TO come their names are echo
> through the long corridors of tin
e men will ever remember their sac
e flee, their patriotism.
u We will treasure it, and when {
u fingers of time shall part the fabl
Of which it is made, in his right
y destroy and change, ladies, we pied
you our sacred honor, that even til
! no trace of dishonor to Louisian:
!" fair name shall be found on any fill
Ii of it.
- Men, it is ours. We must qua
y it we'll, and bear it as the proud e
~ blem Of our State. Remember t
II day. Remember the makers.
" member tn 9 donor. Rememt
- home. Remember Louisiana wht
l. ever you see it,
,e CfrCumstantial Evidence.