Henry O'Meara Ballads of America

Decoration

VETERANS' RALLYING SONG

NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT, G.A.R., BOSTON, 1890
(AIR-"Marching through Georgia")
RALLY now in veteran lines at Victory's note of pride -
Life's truceless foe is striking laurelled heroes from our side,
Bid the bygone ranks return - their deeds with us abide -
       For we were Soldiers of Freedom!
Chorus

Hurrah! Hurrah! send forth a sound of cheer!
Hurrah! Hurrah! for comrades far or near -
Rally as in days when none could heed a doubt or fear-
       For we were Soldiers of Freedom!
Let our risen armies move along the gloried way-
Our war-spent legions live again in patriots' glad array,
Marshalled by remembrance dear aroused in us to-day-
       For we were Soldiers of Freedom!
Chorus, etc.

May our camp-fire's glow relume the memories they bore,
And voices that revive the bivouac's cheer - the battle's roar,
Sing the praise of peace and union blended evermore -
       For we were Soldiers of Freedom!
Chorus, etc.

Decoration
THE HERALD OF THE NEW SOUTH CONTENTS ILLUMINED LIBERTY

 

Edited and formatted by Sheldon Brown

updated Wednesday, April 19, 2000
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