In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls.
And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that knew us not, and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream; and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls.
This is the great reward of service. To live, far out and on, in the life of others; this is the mystery of the Christ -- to give life's best for such high sake that it shall be found again unto life eternal.
In penning these words, I think Colonel Chamberlain echoed the almost overpowering feeling that each of us experiences (but may not have the eloquence to express) when we visit the hallowed ground where battles were fought for us, or when we stand near the ground under which the bodies of those who laid down their lives for liberty are buried, or when we simply take the time to contemplate the sacrifices that have been made for centuries by our own countrymen, not only for the lives and liberties of us, their fellow Americans....but also for the lives and liberties of others outside of our own borders. To those courageous Americans who know its God-given value, the blessing of life and liberty knows no borders.
God (is already) bless(ing) them all.