“The ladies have prepared a splendid National and regimental stand of colors, and have imposed on me the pleasing duty of presenting them to the regiment. In all past ages civilized nations have gone forth to war under their own banner, on which was inscribed some device, figure, or emblem, peculiar to such nation. Thus each tribe among the Israelites had its particular banner. The early Christians fought under the cross, the Romans under the golden eagle, the Mohammedans under the crescent. The founders of our government selected for their colors a groundwork of blue, representing immutable justice and unlimited power, on which the stars, representing light, are twinkling in the vaulted heavens, while in mid ether the bird of Jove is floating, a fitting representation of the ease and power with which liberty and civilization are gliding over the earth; while the stars and stripes of red and white represent the vital principles and purity of our institutions. [Addressing Colonel Buckley]: “To you, sir, as commander, I present these beautiful standards, for the use and benefit of the regiment. On behalf of the fair donors I confide these National and regimental standards to the care of yourself, your gallant officers and men. Wherever you go let them be borne aloft and respected as the emblem of universal freedom to all who seek your protection. Preserve them unstained, except by the blood of your enemies. Bear in mind that you go forth to fight the battles of the human race for all coming time; and should the roar of cannon, the rattling of muskets, the clashing of sabres, the din and smoke of battle surround you, remember the cause in which you are engaged, and be assured that if you fall, we who are left will care for your widows and children. Your own heroic deeds shall be enshrined in our memories, recorded in our history, admired by coming generations, and approved by a holy and just God.” Colonel Buckley replied: “Respected Sir--I receive this stand of colors in behalf of the Twenty-ninth regiment. I return through you to the noble and patriotic ladies of Ashtabula and Summit counties their grateful thanks; and whenever and wherever it is unfurled to the breeze, and we look upon its stars and stripes, may we then remember the generous donors and the vow we this day make. This flag, the flag of our country, which has been our pride and our boast, and which is respected by all civilized nations; this flag, thank God, shall yet wave triumphantly wherever it has been struck down by the ruthless arm of the traitors: and, companions, whenever we look upon this beautiful flag may it inspire us to redouble our energies to do our duty to our beloved country, and if God in his providence permits us to return to home and kindred, may this flag come back with us to bear witness that the Twenty-ninth regiment Ohio volunteers was in the thickest of the fight.