Classic Poem

Was it for mere existence, that we fought,
Contending only that the state might be?
Through war's dread scenes the higher ends we sought
Of Social Progress, civil Liberty;
For which, at first, our fathers did contend;
That here a true foundation might be laid,
That far and wide the mighty tree might send
Its roots into our soil, and spread its shade;
For Education, free alike for all,
For Temperance, Justice, Virtue, Order, Peace;
That ancient wrongs and errors here might fall,
And war on earth at length forever cease.
What is a nation, if for party ends,
Or for a mere existence it contends?