Those who fought by land or sea for the American Republic are honored in grateful and tender remembrance for their love of country, courage, and self-sacrifice. The citizens of Battle Creek dedicated this tribute to them, and the national progress achieved by their arms stands as an inspiration for people throughout the world who struggle for freedom and humanity. In Abraham Lincoln’s words, “We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this monument, brave men living and dead have consecrated it by their struggles far above our poor power to add or detract.”