The Boys In Blue -- Author Unknown

thought to be last remaining Civil War Federal Soldier

When the Comrades have departed

When the Veterans are no more

When that bugle call is sounded

On the everlasting shore

When life's weary march is ended

When the campfires slumber long

Who will tell the world the story

When the boys in blue are gone?

Who will tell about their marching

From Atlanta to the Sea

Who will halt and wait and listen

When they hear the reveille

Who will join to swell the chorus

Of some old Grand Army song

Who will tell the world the story

When the boys in blue are gone?

Sons and Daughters of this Nation

You must tell of triumphs won

When on earth our work is ended

And the Veteran claims his own

You must cherish "Old Glory"

And its teachings pass along

You must tell the world the story

When the boys in blue are gone.

To that flag our country's emblem

You must pledge allegiance to

To that flag our country's emblem

Your hearts be ever true

That the nation be protected

Against injustice and all wrong

You must tell the world the story

When the boys in blue are gone.

You must keep your country's honor

And each stripe withhold a stain

You must take the Veteran's places

And repeat the roll of fame

You must keep your country's honor

And our flag above all wrong

We will trust you with the story

When the boys in blue are gone.