When the comrades have departed,
When the veterans are no more,
When the bugle call is sounded
On that everlasting shore.
When life's weary march is ended,
When campfires slumber long,
Who will tell the world the story,
When the boys in blue are gone?

Who will tell about their marching,
From Atlanta to the sea?
Who will halt, and wait, and listen,
When they hear the reveille?
Who will join to swell the chorus,
Of some old, Grand Army song?
Who will tell the world the story,
When the boys in blue are gone?

Sons and daughters of this nation,
You must tell of triumphs won:
When on earth our work is ended,
And the Veteran claims his own.
You must all cherish Old Glory,
And its teachings pass along.
You must tell the world the story,
When the boys in blue are gone.

To that flag, our country's emblem,
You must pledge allegiance, too.
To that flag, our country's emblem,
May your hearts be ever true.
That the nation be protected,
"Gainst injustice, and all wrong;
You must tell the world the story,
When the boys in blue are gone.

You must keep your country's honor,
From each stripe withhold all stain;
You must take the Veterans' places,
And repeat the roll of fame.
You must keep your country's honor,
And your flag above all wrong,
Then we'll trust you with the story,
When the boys in blue are gone.