Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-05-30

Mlrr0red on each saddened gaze
Helpless wrecks of Warl
While our hearts with anguish bleed
Der the sorrows then decreed,
Here we bless each noble deed,-
All thou struggled for.
Peaceful be your sacred sleepl
While we DER your ashes weep,
We renew the pledge to keep
Laurels for the brave.
Far beyond the bounds of pain,
Fen the humblest hero slain,
Glorifed shall rise again,
Victor DER the gravel
The interesting and beautiful memorial SER
vice of decorating with flowers the graves of
soldiers in the cemeteries in this city, was
performed yesterday under the direction of
the Capital Guards, the newly organized mill
tary company. A profusion of flowers was
provided by the ladies who have labored with
assiduity to make the floral offering one befit
ting the occasion. Some of the graves were
most deliberately and lastly decorated, the
friends of the deceased having provided spec
ial offerings of flowers. There were exquisite
bouquets, wreaths and crosses formed from
the many-colored flowers that adorn at the
present time the beautiful gardens in our city.
No grave was neglected. Those who filed I'M
obscure the mound, it was not passed by.
Though never hallowed by the tears of near
and dear friends, the sweet incense of flowers
made each humble mound an altar Of praise.
The Capital Guards, after collecting the
flowers, marched from their headquarters to
Mt. Pleasant cemetery, where a stand had
been erected for the speakers. The ranks of
the company were quite full, and under the
command Of Capt. Z. F. Wyman, proceeded
without music to the cemetery. The magn-
fcent weather and the solemn and interesting
services had brought out large multitude of
people, some of those present coming miles
with their families to witness or take part in
the ceremonies. The Band from the Military
Asylum, appeared in a neat uniform, and fur
nished some fine music for the occasion.
Hon. j. T. Woodward frem the committee
of arrangements, called upon comrades and
friends to assist in the beautiful and solemn
service for which they had assembled at the
closing hours of the sacred day.
After music by the Band a fervent prayer
was offered by Rev. Mr.. Martin of this city.
A hymn Of Peace was sung by the congre
cation, led by select choir.
An address was then made by Rev. Mr..
Penney of this city He said that the hour
we spend here is sacred to the memory of
hose who gave their lives a sacrifice to their
country. The flowers we scatter speak more
strongly than words in remembrance of the
dead who rest here. There is voice that
comes to us eyer from these silent resting
places. Although dead, they yet speak to
ns-speak to US as friend speaks to friend
They speak of the past, and bring back to
memory hours of delverance, when these men
went forth to battle for country and for God.
Oh! how we remember those days, that seem
ed to us like long procession marching to
The grave. But they speak to us farther;
hey tell us that to give life for liberty and the
ruth is glorious and Godlike; that it is bet
ter to sacrifice than to enjoy; better to rest
here a sacrifice to a united and happy coun-
try, than to live in ease and luxury in a coun-
Try rent and sundered. They thus speak to
is noble words, that call US away from selfish
ends and purposes. Every grave which we
deck to-day rebukes him whose sole object is
pleasure, wealth or fame. They tell us to
prize highly what has been secured at so great
cost. Because they died our nation
ives to-day, and we stand upon a higher
plane of civilization than ever before.
The land is marked all over by the finger of
God, teaching us that rebellion is ruin to
hose who engage in it. If we would be true
o the memory of those we honor to-day, We
hall seek to hold inviolate the principles
which they gave their lives to perpetuatc.
Let God be honored. Let the ballot become
he emblem of truth and justice, and the prin-
Fiples of right permeate every department OF
he government. In this light the future
Uses up grandly before US.
These graves speak to us of suffering, sac
fifce and death endured for high and holy
burposes-lives laid down for the lives of
pthers. How do they suggest to the mind
Him who lived our pattern and died our sac
ifce. How does this day and this service
emind us of the stone rolled away and the
imply tomb. Let US not forget to render to
lin the tribute of grateful hearts.
The hymn was sung commencing
Nearer, my Cod, to thee"
Rev. Mr.. Moor of this city, was the next
peaker. He said the soldiers in memory of
HON these services are rendered, need them
lot. They have finished their work and en-
cred upon their eternal destiny. The flowers
70 scatter are not as sweet as the incense of
heir lives. The flags we place upon their
raves show that they are marching on to
ictory. The monuments that have been or
nay be raised will crumble to dust, before
hey shall be forgotten, or their influence
Ease to bless mankind. Every true service
enefits those who perform it, and we may be
made better by engaging in the present SER
ice. Every flower we give starts new flow
rs of life in the heart. They quicken the
cart and clear the vision. So while we con-
ecrate anew these graves by these beautiful