Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1886-09-09
The Two Flags.
Read at the Reunion at Gaylord, Au-
gust 18th and 10Th 1886.

Two flags met together, by chance. one day.
How it happened, this record attempts not 10 say
But one was tattered, blood stained, ana soleu'
Which. observing the other from contact recoil-
For this one was beautiful, lustrous and gay,
And its pure white stars cleaned like nights
While its soft siiSen folds oated out on the air,
Admired by all, picture most fair.
Don't touch me-" IL cried, as its brother so
worn
On the freshening breeze for moment was
borne.
''Faughi How musty you smell! wonder you're
You're blot on this scene of rejoicing and
Thus SAYING this flag but few days old,
Whose price could DC measured ny n""u'ui VI
Drew away from the one on which blood-marks
Aud the poor old flag sank in distress to the
was srieved and indignant, but it's frequently
True worth is eclipsed by glitter and show.
But while beheld a tall, white haired old man
Whom the audience cheered again, and again.,
Stepped forward and lifted with soldierly pride,
The flag for which many soldier had died.
my comrades and brothers, aye. and sisters y
he said
The time has long passed since wars mighty
tread
Was heard through this peaceful and prosper
These children and youths can scarce understand
And though many heart is yet wounded and
We cover our grief with Jest and smile,
But our children receive wrong impressions, the
while.
''They see not the partings twixed parents and
They know naught of the mothers deep unut-
fQraa orrn
The weeping of sisters, children and friends.
And all TO which war; gaunt, dismal war tends.
Then the long weary waiting days, months and
with their loved ones in danger. Oh, the pray
ers and the tears
When the letter. so precious grew tardy or brief,
Or ceased altogether. God only knew their grief.
"And when the news came that some dear boy
Who knoweth the tears by the fond mother shed 2
Or when husband came home, MANNED and Grip
To be nursed back to health by the dear faithful
wife,
All, that was a season when mems hearts were
When falshood and truth were found side by side
but, see here boys" and he held up the latter
You proudly hurrah for your gay silken rag,
But could this old friend tell you its sorrowfu
Not an eye would be dry, not cheek but would
Could il picture the scenes through which it has
You would turn Prom so frightful a vision, aghast
And would question your hearts, should the call
sound again,
Would we bravey respond as our fathers did
theni
Eyes, twas right. and freely our lfe-blood we
gave,
And we'd do IL again. this fair country TO save,
And these stalwart young men whom / look on
Would fly Just Ms swiftly her call to obey.
Any woman, why, bless youi she remains just
Only stronger, and better. more worthy the
name.
Then, three cheers for this flag though its SER
IT'S faithful reminder Of the cause we defend
ed.
Three cheers for the flags Of our country forever.
May they float over tyrants and tyranny never. y
Then he Folded the war-worn old banner with
While cheer upon cheer rent the clear summer
air,
AQd our nations fair ensign, grown wiser and
older,
Rose Sioft, the delight Of each loyal behoIder
1iRs. M. r.. WADE,
VAEDERDILT, Mich.