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These heroes are dead. They died for liberty-they died for us. They are at rest. They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, the embracing vines. They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or storm, each in the windowless palace of rest. Earth may run red with other wars-they are at peace. In the midst of battles, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death.

Robert G. Ingersoll#74

DeathMemoryWarHeroesHeroismPeace

About this quote

What does it mean?
War heroes rest in peace regardless of current conflicts, found serenity in death.
In plain terms
Soldiers who died for liberty are at rest even if war continues.
What can you take from it?
Remember heroes who died for freedom.

Where it applies

  • memorial services
  • veterans day
  • historical reflection

Putting it to work

  • honor veterans
  • reflect on war
  • remember sacrifice

Questions to consider

  • How do you honor those who died?
  • What does serenity in death mean to you?

Another view

It romanticizes death as peaceful which may not be true.

More from Robert G. Ingersoll

  1. Now, gentlemen, what is blasphemy? Of course nobody knows what it is, unless he takes into consideration where he is. What is blasphemy in one country would be…

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  2. Life is a narrow vale between the cold and barren peaks of two eternities. We strive in vain to look beyond the heights. We cry aloud-and the only answer is th…

    Permalink to quote #75
  3. How has the church in every age, when in authority, defended itself? Always by a statute against blasphemy, against argument, against free speech. And there ne…

    Permalink to quote #72

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