The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1895-08-07
SOLDIERS BUDGET.
Our COuntry's Flag.
BY REV. JAMES RAMAoE, SOUTH BREWER, ME-.

BY REV. JAMES RAMAeE, SOUTH BREWER, ME.
We hail the Flag, our country's glorious flag,
With all its fadeless precious memoriesl
Inwrought into its warp and wool by shuttle
OF past years. are deeds which make 1t lustrous.
Beneath thy streaming folds is Freedoms airl
No slavery here. The letters fall from limbs
Slaves stand erect as men where thou dost wave.
A thousand voices come from thee to-day
Speaking of past, checkered like Joseph's coat
OF many colors woven by Gods own hand
Speaking of dark and bright, of storm and calm,
OF conflict terrible. from which at last
The nation bruised and bleeding came triumphant
thousand voices come from thee, speaking
OF progress, power peace and prosperity,
Which drew on us the worlds wondering gaze.
From billowy Atlantic floats this flag
To great Pacific, from the Lakes to Gulf.
Over the fairest land that sun shines on.
Over people, free, brave. virtuous, strong.
Where'er 1t floats 1t means equality
Liberty justice and protection sure
Protection to oppressed, antagonism
To cruel tyrant. where'er 1t foatsit
Means firm faith in God and the great brotherhood
of man-means Christian civilization that
Leads to loftiness in thought and word and deed
The flag lie glorified by memory of him
Who has been called " The Father of Our Country"
1t, too, Is gloriied by memories of him,
Our martyr dead, " The Savior of Our Country;
Made glorious, too. by memory of those
Who bravely fought and fell that 1t might wave
Ger a,united undivided land.
Glory of valor and Of patriotism
Streams from the brightness of the stripes CLEANS
from
The whteness of the stars Each fiber speaks
OF memories of the illustrious past;
'1Proud memories of many fields" well fought,
Well won, and foes both proud and strong oercome
"Sweet memories" within thy folds are found
OF fealty to country and to God;
"Sad memories of strife" engendered
Between brothers by lust of pelf and power;
Memories so tender too, of fallen sons,
Whose eyes, dimming in death on battlefield
Looked fondly lovingly, upon thy folds;
" Grand memories of fortitude heroic,
Made glorious by sufferings intense;
"Exultant memories Of victory,
Right overthrow ing wrong, the Union saved;
Thankful memories" too of wonderful
Deliverance achieved for the oppressed;
Immortal memories" of scenes that shall
Meier fade, or be forgotten by the lapse of time.
Bright art thou, too. with memories of conquests
Won in peace, for 81" Peacehath victories
No less than war;" Triumphs of mind DER matter,
Triumphs of Science, Industry and Art.
Gaze oft upon this iagl Give it your Lowell
Give 1t your thoughts Give 1t your prayers and
deeds
And, as you think of those who lived and fought
Beneath it in the past, nobly and WELL
Be brave And live not to diminish, but
Augment, the luster gathered round it,
Fighting against all foes to heart, to home,
To country, and to God, wherever met.
Fix then your gaze, We sons OF Liberty,
Upon this emblem! Hear it say, " Live well"
Hear it say Excel; quit you like men, be strongl"
Its red says, Be courageous for the right"
Its rhue unsullied says, Let purity
Be closely linked to courage dauntless;
Meier separate W thew are wed