Memorial Day is a time to remember those service members who gave their last full measure of devotion to our nation to defend liberty. During the American Civil War, COL Edward Cross led a the 5^th NH Volunteer Regiment until July 2, 1863. On that day, in Gettysburg, PA, he was killed in action. The New Hampshire Army National Guard named their military training school after him, the Edward Cross Training Center in Pembroke.

In 1898, One of the Regimental Surgeons, MAJ William Child, MD, collected a number of documents related to the 5th’s actions during the Civil War and wrote a history on the unit. This poem appears on pages 303 & 4 of that history.

The Bivouac of the Dead

The muffled drum’s sad roll has beat

The soldiers’ last tattoo;

No more on life’s parade shall meet

that brave and fallen few.

On fame’s eternal camping ground

Their silent tents are spread,

But glory guard with solemn round,

The bivouac of the dead.

Their shivered swords are read with rust;

Their plumed heads are bowed,

Their haughty banner, trailed in dust,

Is now their martial shroud.

And plenteous funeral tears have washed

the red stains from each brow,

And the proud forms by battle cashed,

Are free from anguish now.

The neighing troop, the flashing blade,

The bugle’s stirring the blast

The chard, the dreadful cannonade,

The din and shout are past.

Nor war’s wild note, nor glory’s peal

Shall thrill with fierce delight

Those breasts that never more shall feel

The rapture of the fight.

Rest on, embalmed and sainted dead,

Dear as the blood ye gave,

No impious footstep here shall tread

The herbage of your grave;

Nor shall your glory be forgot,

While fame her record keeps,

Or honor points the hallowed spots

Where valor proudly sleeps.

On fame’s eternal camping ground

Their silent tends are spread,

But glory guard with solemn round

The bivouac of the dead.

As you and your loved ones celebrate the beginning of summer, take time to remember those who died serving our country at home and abroad.

Reference:

Child, W. (1898). A history of the fifth regiment New Hampshire volunteers, in the American Civil War 1861-1865. R. W. Musgrove, Printer. 1893