Soldiers and saviours of the homes we love;
Heroes and patriots who marched away,
And who marched back, and who marched on above —
All — all are here to-day!
By the dear cause you fought for — you are here;
At summons of bugle, and the drum
Whose palpitating syllables were ne'er
More musical, you come!
Here — by the stars that bloom in fields of blue,
And by the bird above with shielding wings;
And by the flag that floats out over you,
With silken beckonings —
Ay, here beneath its folds are gathered all
Who warred unscathed for blessings that it gave —
Still blessed its champion, though it but fall
A shadow on his grave!