Page:Journal history of the Twenty-ninth Ohio veteran volunteers, 1861-1865.djvu/157



down to latest posterity as a glorious legacy and standard that was borne, as by angel hands, in opposition to oppression and rebellion. Be assured that it is with a renewed national pride that we look upon this beautiful flag presented to the Twenty-ninth Ohio, by the patriotic and loyal citizens of Summit and Ashtabula counties. The past history of almost four years in war, speaks for our conduct as soldiers and patriots for the future. We promise never to desert this flag, nor will we permit traitors or rebels to wrest it from our hands. We will always be willing and ready to unfurl it in defense of the principles of our glorious, free Republic. Truly our country's faith has learned a new interpretation of her standard. The white typifies the purity of purpose which belongs to her true ruler; the red points to the crimson tide in which life flows forth a willing offering; the blue reminds her of her home in heaven, to which all the good are gathered; the stars in her banner tell of light in darkness, and she shall learn to range them in a new and beautiful order, as the constellation of the cross. It is that flag which has solved most conclusively the long disputed problem of a free republican form of government. It was that flag which was so bravely and triumphantly carried through the ordeal of war by our Revolutionary sires, and encircled them with a halo of glory that shall be handed down untarnished to millions of unborn freemen. It was that flag which, under God, enabled our forefathers to gain our glorious independence, and here, in this beautiful land of lakes and rivers, rear a temple of liberty which stands first among the nations of the earth, the envy and admiration of all. It is the flag which we have learned to love and to defend, and which we cherish in our hearts as the guardian angel of our country.