ODE ON PRESENTATION OF BADGE.
Reading edition
[Listen]
Air—“Hold the Fort.”
Sing while the badge is being pinned on.
Comrades, take this badge of freedom Our Grand Army gives; Let it be the sign of honor Every loyal lives. Chorus. Wear the badge and keep it shining All life’s journey through, Ever as the glorious emblem Of the work we do. Then, proud eagle, still soar sunward; Flag, your folds swing loose; Love shall shield the helpless orphan, Fill the widow’s cruse.—Chorus.