Warner is an old veteran in love with the widow Simpson. His rival is an old farmer, named Burns. Warner stands in front of the old soldiers' home, telling a crowd of old veterans of the battles he took part in, and as he unfolds the tales the scenes are depicted in the film. Burns, with rake in his hand, listens doubtfully, makes a few sarcastic remarks and walks away. Meeting the widow Simpson he dallies awhile, and she shows him an article in the newspaper regarding the coming arrangements for the big G.A.R. parade. Burns tells her he is an old veteran, and relates the thrilling experiences he had in the army, which are shown on the screen. Warner comes up and drives Burns away. The day of the parade arrives. Warner, arrayed in all the splendor of a faded uniform exhibits upon his breast a dozen medals. Meeting Mrs. Simpson be takes his coat off and lays it on top of a cannon while he points to each medal and explains how he won it. He discovers that one of the medals is missing, and runs pell-mell back to the home to look for it, leaving his coat behind. Mrs. Simpson saunters off and Burns comes on. The coat gives him an idea, and quickly donning it he secures a cap and goes to the parade. Warner comes back with the missing medal, and is enraged to learn that his coat has been stolen. The street parade is then shown, with the soldiers, bands, Zouaves, etc., and the old veterans, cheered by thousands of spectators along the line of march. Burns takes his place in the ranks, with his chest thrown out and carrying two small flags in his hands. Mrs. Simpson occupies a conspicuous position in the grand stand and cheers the supposed veteran as he struts by. Warner suspects that Burns has his coat and looks for him at the parade. He interrupts the marchers and becomes involved with the marshals, but he finally spies Burns and makes a dive for him. Burns sees him and dodges in and out of the parade, with Warner hot on his trail. He finally runs back to the soldiers' home, where he divests himself of the coat, when Warner comes panting up with his heavy cane in his hand. He attempts to strike Burns, who heroically protects himself by placing the flag on his chest. Mrs. Simpson comes along and by clever coquetry manages to subdue the two angry old men and to make them shake hands.