Abraham Lincoln et al. - Soldiers and Sailors Memorial - Monte Vista, CO - Etched in Stone on Waymarking.com

A tall soldier stands atop this monument to Colorado veterans in the center of the state's oldest veteran cemetery, dedicated in 1912. Inscriptions along the base of the pedestal quote famous speeches and poems in honor of those who nobly served their country.

      

The first quote is taken from the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln delivered during the Civil War.

"...it is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

The second quote is from "The Bivouac of the Dead" written by Theodore O'Hara to honor his fellow soldiers killed in the Mexican-American War. This poem has been featured on many memorials including Arlington National Cemetery's gateway.

"The muffled drum's sad roll has beat the soldier's last tattoo;
No more on life's parade shall meet that brave and fallen few.
On fame's eternal camping-ground their silent tents to spread,
And glory guards with solemn round the bivouac of the dead.

The sunshine of their native sky smiles sadly on them here,
And kindred eyes and hearts watch by The hero's sepulcher."

The third and final quote is taken from a presidential order by William McKinley on July 15, 1899 to honor the members of the 8th Army Corps for their service in the Spanish-American War.

"The president desires to express in the most public manner his appreciation of the lofty patriotism by the volunteers and regulars of the 8th Army Corps in performing willing service through severe campaigns and battles against the insurgents in Luzon, where under the terms of their enlistments they would have been entitled to discharge upon ratification of the treaty with Spain. This action on their part was noble and heroic. It will stand forth as an example of the self sacrifice and public consecration which have ever characterized the American soldier."

Address: 3749 Sherman Avenue Monte Vista, CO 81144 Website: Not listed

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