Nothing we do at the Convention of States Project would be possible without those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom we enjoy.
The ability to participate in the political process and affect real, positive change isn't an option in many countries, and we'd like to thank all our veterans for risking their lives to protect that ability.
The following is a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in honor of the fallen soldiers in the Civil War. It's a sobering reminder of the cost of liberty, and we hope all our supporters around the country will take a moment to reflect on its words.
Decoration Day
Sleep, comrades, sleep and rest
On this Field of the Grounded Arms,
Where foes no more molest,
Nor sentry's shot alarms!
Ye have slept on the ground before,
And started to your feet
At the cannon's sudden roar,
Or the drum's redoubling beat.
But in this camp of Death
No sound your slumber breaks;
Here is no fevered breath,
No wound that bleeds and aches.
All is repose and peace,
Untrampled lies the sod;
The shouts of battle cease,
It is the Truce of God!
Rest, comrades, rest and sleep!
The thoughts of men shall be
As sentinels to keep
Your rest from danger free.
Your silent tents of green
We deck with fragrant flowers
Yours has the suffering been,
The memory shall be ours.
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
