Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 33.djvu/309

 Returning Confederate Flags. 305

through the war, and be exhibited on every Memorial day when the citizens of the "twin cities by the sea" pay their annual tribute to the memory of their dead.

Many of these flags will be recognized by the old soldiers who marched under them to victory or defeat. They will recall many sleeping recollections of the past; around many of which memory lingers.

' ' No more with gallant spreading folds

And colors fresh and bright: They fling their gleaming stars and bars Triumphant to the light.

But slowly, round their broken staff

They droop in faded fold : Their service o'er, their duty done,

Their wondrous story told.

These furled and silent banners stir

No sad regret and pain, For we read their fairest history

In the story of their fame."

Virginia's part in the conflict that began so auspiciously and ended so disastrously on her soil, will be told by two other Virgin- ians, who are to participate in these interesting exercises. One, a former Governor of this Commonwealth, a soldier in the war be- tween the States and a resident of this city, is well equipped for his task. The other, so well known and loved in this Commonwealth her able chief magistrate and one of her finest orators, will receive these emblems on behalf of the State he loves so well and serves so faithfully.

The pleasing task assigned me has been performed in a spirit of veneration for the past, of gratitude for the present, and an abiding faith in the future of this noble Commonwealth. These flags are committed to her keeping.

JOHN LAMB.