For those heroes were the first to dare earth's despots.
They won the first victory over every form of vice and sin.

They wove the first threads of the flag of liberty and made it indeed the banner of the morning, for they dyed it crimson in their heart's-blood.

In all the history of freedom there is no chapter comparable for a moment to the glorious achievements of these men of oak and rock.

Their deeds shine on the pages of history like stars blazing in the night and their achievements have long been celebrated in song and story.

"The angels of martyrdom and victory," says Mazzini, "are brothers; both extend protecting wings over the cradle of the future life." Sometimes it has happened that the brave deed of a single patriot has rallied wavering hosts, flashed the lightning through the centuries, and kindled whole nations into a holy enthusiasm.