At Sunset :: :: University of Virginia Library

Our fathers met in grief and gloom,
And as the Tyrant spoke their doom
They answered, “Freedom shall have room.”

Backward, as to a golden store,
They looked to valiant hearts of yore,
Whose might the people's cause up-bore.

And forward, in the skies above,
They saw a heavenly banner move,
Whose virtue they were bound to prove.

For them the Galilean taught
The truth with new deliverance fraught,
And 'neath His martyr flag they fought.

Now as our world stands at a loss,
With all its treasures, all its dross
To match the riches of the Cross,

So, pomp of flags and marches gay
And martial muster and array
Are all too poor to praise this day.

How should we thank for boon so high?
How keep above the things that die
Our holy gift of Liberty?

With duteous heart revere the Past,
Its doctrine and its deeds hold fast,
But know, they should be over-passed.

The harvest that 't is ours to reap
With blood of heroes sown so deep,
A bloodless vigilance shall keep.

Build nobler temples, and enshrine
On the heart's altar pure and fine,
The Brotherhood that is divine.

For our defence throughout the land
The school with open door shall stand,
With truth and love in high command.

[OMITTED]

From us, who meet with one intent,
On due commemoration bent,
Be this fair greeting world-wide sent:

Not for us only did befall
The good we conquered; hear us call
“One freedom and one God for all!”