Ohio History Journal

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240 Ohio Arch

240      Ohio Arch. and Hist. Society Publications.

to him of vouchers approved by the supervisor of public print-

ing and the adjutant general.

E. J. HOPPLE,

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

EARL D. BLOOM,

President of the Senate.

Passed March 21, 1917.

Approved March 30, 1917.

JAMES M. Cox, Governor.

Filed in office of Secretary of State, April 2, 1917.

 

 

 

SPEECH OF GOV. FRANK B. WILLIS.

UPON THE OCCASION OF THE REMOVAL OF THE BATTLE FLAGS

TO THE ROTUNDA OF THE CAPITOL.

This is an inspiring spectacle. The old flags have been

placed in safe repose in Ohio's heart. Here they will be pre-

served to latest time, a memory of the heroism of a generation

gone, an inspiration to generations yet unborn. If these historic

banners could speak they would tell of disappointment and de-

feat and privation, but also of victory. Yet, interesting as is

the epic of the banners, more thrilling still is the story of the

heroism of the men that fought beneath them.

This capitol building has been the silent witness of many

important events, but through its portals in recent years has

passed no more impressive pageant than the veteran defenders

of the union, who have this day carried again the tattered flags

that they followed over the battle fields when they were the

"boys in blue." In affectionate appreciation and memory they

are still the "boys in blue," but a little more than half a century

ago, they were indeed "the boys," the blush of youth on their

cheeks, and in their hearts the enthusiastic resolution to do, and

if necessary, to die for liberty and union.

The years through which they served their country on the

battlefield were momentous ones for the Republic. The years

that have followed since their battalions returned under the

eagles of victory and melted without a murmur into the ranks