Count not the cost of honour to the dead! <br />The tribute that a mighty nation pays <br />To those who loved her well in former days <br />Means more than gratitude for glories fled; <br />For every noble man that she hath bred, <br />Lives in the bronze and marble that we raise, <br />Immortalized by art's immortal praise, <br />To lead our sons as he our fathers led. <br /> <br />These monuments of manhood strong and high <br />Do more than forts or battle-ships to keep <br />Our dear-bought liberty. They fortify <br />The heart of youth with valour wise and deep; <br />They build eternal bulwarks, and command <br />Eternal strength to guard our native land.<br /><br />Henry Van Dyke<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/national-monuments/
