246 MAJOR JOHN F. LACEY 



need improvement and reform. The improvement is not 

 made by those who always turn their eyes to the past, 

 and see nothing good that is present or future. They al- 

 ways ride backward, they should turn the seat and face 

 the future for awhile, not with gloom and despair, but 

 with hope and courage. This is one of the distinctive 

 good qualities of the old soldier. He constantly looks 

 forward to a better day; the journey may be long, the 

 way may be weary, but the camp is beyond. 



In remaining true to the nation we cannot fail to be 

 true to each other. Enmity should be mortal, friendship 

 immortal. Day by day fresh gaps are made in our 

 ranks; as we go forward let us close up and keep the 

 touch of elbow to the last. 



