Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 37.djvu/355

 than a decoration, that it is even a thankful, loving, loyal tribute to those who died for us, and for the perpetual principles we love, and which we would have our children love. Yes for us, let it be Memorial Day!

Veterans, beloved and honored, it was given to you to live while they died; but you will ever be associated with them in the minds and hearts of your grateful countrymen. Let me remind you that even the paths of glory lead to the grave. When you reach that last breastwork—when you have to face to face and hand to hand fight with the last enemy, though your body may fall before him—may you be able to say with Jackson, and Lee, and Davis, and thousands of your comrades, who, like them, were soldiers of the cross—"Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."