Confederate soldiers were remembered for heroism, love of country, and sacrifice on the fields where they fought and died. Their struggle was presented as a defense of constitutional government as established by the Fathers, and though they were defeated, they were said to have left posterity a record of honor and glory more valuable than power or riches. Future generations were urged to honor and emulate their virtues and to keep fresh in memory the record of the soldiers and the cause for which they fought.