Memorial Day

Memorial Day originally commemorated those who died in the Civil War and now all wars. It is their blood and sacrifice that has protected our liberties, even the liberty to disparage their sacrifice. Theodore O'Hara served with the Second Kentucky at the Battle of Buena Vista, his eulogy to those who died there is found on plaques at Civil War cemeteries for both sides. Let us never forget their sacrifice or dishonor their memory.


The muffled drum's sad roll has beat
The soldier's last tattoo;
No more on Life's parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few.

On fame's eternal camping ground
Their silent tents to spread,
And glory guards, with solemn round
The bivouac of the dead.

Rest on embalmed and sainted dead!
Dear as the blood ye gave;
No impious footstep here shall tread
The herbage of your grave;

Nor shall your glory be forgot
While Fame her record keeps,
For honor points the hallowed spot
Where valor proudly sleeps

No rumor of the foe's advance
Now swells upon the wind;
Nor troubled thought at midnight haunts
Of loved ones left behind;

No vision of the morrow's strife
The warrior's dreams alarms;
No braying horn or screaming fife
At dawn shall call to arms.
The Bivouac of the Dead


Worth Reading:
Roy Nickerson’s favorite Memorial Day memory


Photos: Sheboygan Wisconsin War Memorial.