Charge to the Sons of Confederate Veterans
" To You, Sons of Confederate Veterans,
We will commit the Vindication of the Cause for which We Fought. To Your Strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier's good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and which we also cherish. Are you also ready to die for your country? Is your life worthy to be remembered along with theirs? Do you choose for yourself this greatness of soul? Not in the clamor of the crowded street, Not in the shouts and plaudits of the throng, BUT in ourselves are triumph and defeat..." Lt. Gen. Stephen D. Lee --- excerpts of a speech, 1906, New Orleans
We will commit the Vindication of the Cause for which We Fought. To Your Strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier's good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and which we also cherish. Are you also ready to die for your country? Is your life worthy to be remembered along with theirs? Do you choose for yourself this greatness of soul? Not in the clamor of the crowded street, Not in the shouts and plaudits of the throng, BUT in ourselves are triumph and defeat..." Lt. Gen. Stephen D. Lee --- excerpts of a speech, 1906, New Orleans