Confederate Monument in Forest Park

I am not a fan of the Confederate Monument in Forest Park. I thought it was appropriate to be upfront about this. This post is simply here in an effort to make sure the complete text of the monument is online somewhere. I have had a lot of trouble finding it anywhere else. I transcribed the text from a recent visit to the monument. I have also included some photos taken from that visit.

To the memory of the soldiers and sailors of the Southern Confederacy.
Who fought to uphold the right declared by the pen of Jefferson and achieved by the sword of Washington.
With sublime self sacrifice, they battled to preserve the independence of the states which was won from Great Britain, and to perpetuate the constitutional government which was established by the fathers.
Activated by the purest patriotism they performed deeds of prowess such as thrilled the heart of mankind with admiration.
"Full in the front of war they stood,"
And displayed a courage so superb that it gave a new a a brighter luster to the annals of valor.
History contains no chronicle more illustrious than the story of their achievements, and although, worn out by ceaseless conflict and overwhelmed by numbers, they were finally forced to yield.
Their glory, "on brightest pages penned by poets and sages, shall go sounding down the ages."
"We had sacred principles to maintain and rights to defend for which we were duty bound to do our best, even if we perished in the endeavor."
Robert E. Lee

Erected in memory of the soldiers and sailors of the Confederate States by the United Daughters of the Confederacy of Saint Louis.

Attached is a copy of a letter I wrote to Mayor Krewson with a Proposal for the Confederate Monument in Forest Park.