His Last Parade

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The veteran lies on his bed and he is sick unto death. The family and nurses have left him alone for a moment to see the Grand Army parade which is passing. The martial notes of the fife and drum corps are heard in the distance. As they come nearer they reach the ears of the old soldier. He rouses. The expression of his face changes as he thinks of the happy days that the music recalls to his memory, the days of '61 when he was a young man and marched lightly away with his comrades to the war. He moves, gets out of bed and totters to the window. He stands there a moment, solemnly saluting the Stars and Stripes as they go by. The effort weakens him and he staggers back to bed. But he doesn't lose interest in the parade. Suddenly there is the boom of a cannon fired close at hand. The veteran is unable to resist any longer. He manages to get into his blue uniform and stealthily leaves the house. Next we see the Grand Army parade, hundreds of the boys in blue marching past with the old banners and ensigns, the battle-scarred flags. Here comes the veteran, marching with the rest, bravely trying to keep up in spite of physical weakness. And then, suddenly, he drops. Comrades rush to his assistance. His face is bright with the light of patriotism, but his strength is nearly gone. Gently they assist him home where he is put to bed. And in the midst of his family, surrounded by comrades and covered by the flag he loved so well, he answers his final "taps."