The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-06-01

water Templars After the decoration of the
graves, all assembled on the national lot, where
prayer was offered by the Rev. ID. B. Randall.
America was then sung. Past Commander
Land then read the following address and a
poem written for the occasion by lady OF
Providence, r. L.:
Comrades and Friends:
But few short summers since, within sight
And sound of where we now stand, there gath
cred regiment after regiment of the bravest
and best sons of our dear old Pine Tree State;
there are those here to-day who well remember
the hours spent on the old camp ground where
the regiments were being put in shape to be
sent to the front The visits of friends to
cheer US and bid us God Speed--and short time
was given-the tents were struck and we hur-
riedly marched to the train
Hhe comfortless trip on the transport steam
er-our hrst night on Southern SOIL the earth
our bed, the heaven our canopy-our life in
camp-on the picket line-and the battle field
and after long years of strife and hardship
few returning saw the place so many had
left, never to return. To-day how changed
the peaceful pursuits of daily life move on as
calmly as though it had been dream.
But, alas the vacant chair, the empty
sleeve, the faltering gait, the feeble forms of
our comrades, tell us it was stern reality. And
gathering in this garden of the dead where
nature has again spread her beautiful robe of
green and whispering breezes seem to chant
sorrowing requiem over the last resting places
ct our departed comrades, we come with our
oarands and flowers to deck their graves.
Truly to us who gather around the hallowed
spot where rests all of earth Of these who were
dear to our hearts, this is no idle pageant
and to those whose dear ones rest where no
nag waves, no solemn dirge is heard, no flower
is laid by loving hands on the sod above them,
this day speaks with tender memories of the
past, when those loved ones answering to the
call to arms, in all patriots pride, and fol-
lowed by tho prayers and blessings of those
theyleft behind them, went forthfor one country
and one flag to fight.
They nobly did their duty, and while fond
hearts were breaking in suspense and pale lips
mnrmured prayers for their loved ones safety.
They endured the weary march, the cheerless
bvouac, the wild storm of the battlefield, the
horrors of the prison pen, or lay helpless from
disease or wounds in the wards of the hospital
All honor to those noble hearted women who
leaving the comforts OF home were found in
camp or hospital as ministering angels to our
sick and wounded comrades. One on whose
grave we lay the'trbute of Remembrance to-
day will not soon be forgotten by us who re-
member her labor of love in the old army of
Our own State leads the way in setting aside
this day as a legal holiday And would that
throughout every town and village in our own
and every State where the green mound rises
above the sacred dust of one who wore the
loyal blue, loving hearts land patriot hands,
should bring their tributes and lay them on the
pbtriot's grave. s- fa
The years roll on-time with its softening
touch bids US forgive and forget-We had no
other thought for those who were led, but the
leaders, although we may forgive we cannot
forget.
Yet, misfortune makes brothers of US all
and now in their hour of sore distress, when
hard beset by flood, our Southern brothers find
none more ready to give generous relief than
the loyal North and the government they SO
misgudedly sought to destroy. Thank God
that our hands are once more clasped in frater-
nifty, charity and loyalty, and that a reunited
people we hail again one country and one flag.
To you, our dear young friends, who gather
here to-day with your offerings of love, we bid
you soldiers welcome. Your presence cheers
us for we hail it as promise of help to us in
the observance of this day in future Soon, we
shall make our last round, and these to us sa-
cred duties will be left to you. We char.e you
not to neglect them. Let the memory of your
fathers and brothers, who preserved to you
free country and that dear old flag inspire you
ever to keep sacred this day. Study the lessons
of the past and guard well the trusts of the fu-
ture.
Comrades, to US the rolling years bring near
er the foe to which we all must at last surrend-
er And soon the last veteran of 1865 will
no more answer to roll call here on earth.
Mustered out! 70 join the ranks of those gone
before. The noblest monument we can rear to
the widowers and orphans they have left to us
as sacred trust, il aiding a comrade less for
tunate than ourselves, and in living in fraterni-
ty with each other in charity towards all and
loyalty to our country and to God we may
await with patience the summons to go up
higher, and enter into that rest where all is
peace.