A Tribute in Prose

to

The Grand Army of the Republic

The Grand Army of the Republic is a unique organization; no child can be born into it; no proclamation of President or edict of king can command admission; no university or institution of learning can issue a diploma authorizing its holder to enter. No act of Congress or Parliament secures recognition. The wealth of a Vanderbilt cannot purchase the position. Its doors swing open only on presentation of a bit of paper, torn, worn, begrimed it may be, which certifies to an honorable discharge from the Armies or Navies of the nation during the war against the Rebellion.
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And unlike any other association, no! new blood! can come in. There are no growing ranks from which recruits can come in.
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“With the consummation pf peace through victory, its rolls were closed forever; its lines are steadily and swiftly growing thinner, and the ceaseless tramp of its columns is with ever-lessening tread; the gaps in the picket lines grow wider; day by day details are made from the reserve, summoned into the shadowy regions, to return to touch elbows no more, until, by and by, only a solitary sentinel shall stand guard, waiting until the bugle call beyond shall muster out the last comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic.”
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last update: 11 Feburary 2000
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