Page:Journal history of the Twenty-ninth Ohio veteran volunteers, 1861-1865.djvu/29

 *senting immutable justice and unlimited power, on which the stars, representing light, are twinkling in the vaulted heavens, while in mid ether the bird of Jove is floating, a fitting representation of the ease and power with which liberty and civilization are gliding over the earth; while the stars and stripes of red and white represent the vital principles and purity of our institutions.

[Addressing Colonel Buckley]: "To you, sir, as commander, I present these beautiful standards, for the use and benefit of the regiment. On behalf of the fair donors I confide these National and regimental standards to the care of yourself, your gallant officers and men. Wherever you go let them be borne aloft and respected as the emblem of universal freedom to all who seek your protection. Preserve them unstained, except by the blood of your enemies. Bear in mind that you go forth to fight the battles of the human race for all coming time; and should the roar of cannon, the rattling of muskets, the clashing of sabres, the din and smoke of battle surround you, remember the cause in which you are engaged, and be assured that if you fall, we who are left will care for your widows and children. Your own heroic deeds shall be enshrined in our memories, recorded in our history, admired by coming generations, and approved by a holy and just God."

Colonel Buckley replied: "Respected Sir—I receive this stand of colors in behalf of the Twenty-ninth regiment. I return through you to the noble and patriotic ladies of Ashtabula and Summit counties their grateful thanks; and whenever and wherever it is unfurled to the breeze, and we look upon its stars and stripes, may we then remember the generous donors and the vow we this day make. This flag, the flag of our country, which has been our pride and our boast, and