The Great Victory—Its Cost and Its Value Address delivered at Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, July 4th, 1865

"The Great Victory—Its Cost and Its Value" by M. Russell Thayer is a speech from July 4th, 1865, offering a snapshot of America right after the Civil War ended. Delivered soon after President Lincoln's death, it captures the strong feelings of patriotism at the time. The speech highlights how much freedom cost, remembering the soldiers' sacrifices, and the ideas of freedom and togetherness that came out of the war. Thayer expresses deep thankfulness for the peace that was won after a hard battle that almost broke the country apart. He recognizes the sacrifices of lives and resources, while praising those who bravely fought for the values in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Thayer also considers the end of slavery as a major result of the war, creating a better moral base for the country. He asks the nation to respect the sacrifices of the past by valuing and protecting the freedoms and unity that will shape the country's future.