The offering we bring to-day is due alike to the patriot soldiers dead and their noble comrades who still live; for whether living or dead, whether in time or eternity, the loyal soldiers who imperiled all for country and freedom are one and inseparable.
In his 1871 Decoration Day speech at Arlington, Douglass emphasizes that the tribute offered is for all loyal soldiers, recognizing their unified sacrifice for country and freedom.
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It only abolished slavery where it did not exist, and left it intact where it did exist.
True it is that this faith was many times shaken by passing events, but never destroyed.
The father might be a white man, glorying in the purity of his Anglo-Saxon blood, and his child ranked with the blackest slaves.