Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-06-17

The occasion of Decorating the Soldiers
GrareS at Bethel, May so, 1870.
Mr.. Commander, Comrades and F'elioW
Citizens:
Ninc years ago the loyal people Of this
nation were aroused in their quiet and
peaceful abodes by tho clash of arms.
and from their hostile guns assailcd the
flag OF the Republic, borne aloft owe. an
Sumptcr had fallen beneath the fire Of
rcbellious cannon, and the threatening
cloud Of civil war that had so long hung
over the land, had burst in fury over our
heads. The President OF tho United
States in order to promptly meet this
revolt, had issued call for an armed
force to suppress insurrection and enforce
obedience to the laws. Then the good
people of this country assembled together
in their various localities, but not rs we
meet to-day. Then the cry was, TO arms
to arms! for traitorous hands are upliitcd
to destroy the Government. Then the
shlill sounding fife, and loud beating
drum, sounded foyth TO arouse the
patriot blood of tho land to action.
Fathers that, had hitherto known moth
ing of war, sons and brothers in the
bloom and yigor of life, responded to the
call, and most nobly and gallantly volun-
tecrcd TO fight for the flag that had iloated
over their cradles and shielded them ever
beneath lis folds. No Power OF the world
can produce SO grand n record upon the
willing obedience of its people as the
United States during the late civil war.
For four long'years the contest was wag-
in unparalleled fury. until upwards of
two millions were called to the fight. In
the struggle, more than u quarter of u
million OF loyal sons fell rs martyrs TO the
cause of freedom Far be it from this
hour to ever think of alluding to the cause
which led to tins dire calamity. To-day,
we meet not under the banners OF war,
but in peace we gather to pay 4 tribute
OF respect to the memory of those who
fell from among YOU, This day has been
declared National holiday, on which,
loyal men and women arc invited 10 meet
around the resting places OF these heroes,
and spread sweet flowers above their life
less dust. For many generations it has
been the custom OF many people TO orna-
mcnt the graves of departed friends, with
natures choicest offerings, thereby show
ing to the world their surviving affection.
Prompted by the same feelings, the good
people of this government desire. loft as
the year returns, ," 10 honor and PEI petuate
the memory Of the men who died the land
to save, by spreading over their graves
the brightest flowers Ot Spring time.
These ceremonies, my friends, are not u
new thing upon the earth. Turn back TO
ancient Greece and Rome, and you will
find them doing the same thing in almost
similar manner. If those people found
il in their hearts to thus honor the graves
of those who had fallen in their wars
where it was often difficult to tell for
what they cortcndcd, how much more
reason have we TO adopt the custom, when
the death of ever man whose memory our
land Graves to honor to- day, advanced the
principles OF justice and right the world
over. Who amongyou to-day As he looks
far away to the past. and in his boyhood
recalls the Anniversary of our National
independence, the Fourth of July, does
not remember the enthusiasm it always
inspired in his bosom? 1t told him Of L
conflict where noble men fought and died
for grand, Il mighty principle. SO, my
friends. this holiday, the thirtieth of May,
away down in the distant future, will
remind those who come after us OF that
other dreadful ordeal, through which this
country passed. One of these anniver-
saries shall remind our children of the
struggle for independence, the other shall
tell them OF the terrible sacrifice the
second conflict cost the people to perpetu-
alc the life of the Republic, and make it
in reality what it had been in name, a
land of freedom and equal rights to all.
As you stand around these graves to-day.
what hallowcd rccollections will come
over your minds. Each OF these men had
q history known to those connected
to him by family ties, or to friends in
whom he confided.; to-day, in recollection
YOU wil.reyiow that history rs DER their
graves you shall stand, and rs thought
after thought shall come crowding upon
the mind, your hearts will grow warm
and beat with kind emembrancc Of their
noble spirits.
Where can We find q nobler theme than
..Our heroes slain? ?" No human being
can make q greater sacrifice than to lay
down his liic for any cause. These men,
inspired by noble, true-hearted patriotism,
leaving homes and friends, rallied to the
defence of the common cause; performed
well thc, every duty, and finally upon
the altar of the Government, offered up
their lives, that we, who survive them,
might have country 10 enjoy, and hand
down to future posterity. Why should we
not remember them? How small the
tribute we pay compared with the service
they rendered us. Could we follow each