The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-05-29
Decoration Day.

Decoration Ooys
BY popular usage which has continued
long enough to be regarded as an es-
tablished custom, and in this State by
law, the 30th Of May is set apart for
decorating with flowers the graves of
the brave soldiers who gave their lives
to their country in the late war. 1t is
beautiful custom, and it has taken
such deep root that it is not likely to
be discontinued during the present gen.
Grafton So far as we are aware there is
nothing similar to it in any observance
practised by any modern nation. Neither
graves of the loyal men who fell
in the great battles of 1870. Our
own war differed from others in the
fact that it was set on foot by the people
rather than by the government, and, consid-
ering it their own cause, they feel peculiar
interest in those who fought for it. Another
explanation of the greater interest we feel in
our fallen soldiers is found in the nature OF
our armies, which consisted almost entirely
of volunteers fresh from home ties and asso-
Citations, while the great contests of other
countries are waged by regular standing
armies, separated from the great body of
the people by the fact that they are soldiers
by trade. 1t makes great difference in the
popular feeling toward an army whether it
consists of the flower Of the young men Of
a country who sought temporary military
service by the promptings Of intelligent
patriotism, or whether it consists Of men
who habitually live in state Of separation
from the rest Of the community, as armies
do in countries which maintain vast stand
ing force in time Of peace. There is q
nearness of interest and warmth Of affection
between our transient armies and the great
body of people which cannot exist where
the military class is permanent, separate
organization. This was beautifully illus
trated during our late war by the post offices
which accompanied our armies, enabling
our soldiers to maintain constant CORE
spondence with friends, parents, sisters and
sweethearts at home. Our custom of an
nually strewing flowers on the graves of
fallen soldiers is not more characteristic
and interesting than the post office system,
amid the carnageof war.
This being the next year after our great
centennial celebration we trust no distinc-
ton will be made tomorrow between the
graves Of Northern and Southern soldiers in
places where both exist in the same ceme-
! teries The Southern soldiers, however
misguided, were still our countrymen.
They fought with heroism of which no
American has reason to be ashamed. The
bravery, tenacity and soldierly qualities they
exhibited during the war must be regarded
as valuable contribution to the general rep
utation of the country. Our security against
foreign aggression or insult consists in the
opinion entertained abroad of our public
spirit and prowess, and other nations under
stand perfectly well that the military vigor
Of the South would be rs strenuously ex-
erted in q foreign war as it was in our civil
conflict. 1t is not merely what the North
did. but what both North and South did,
that has given this country character fol
military ability and resources which makes
it formidable in the eyes Of all nations. In
this respect those who fought on both sides
rendered a great service to the country by
demonstrating that the sections which
were SO powerful against each Other
would be irresistible against mn exter.
nal foe. The attested bravery Of oui
whole people will save rs from foreign at
tacks, and the blood spilled in our civil
conflict may thus save us an equal loss o
life in wars with other Powers The South
ern soldiers contributed their full share te
this national reputation, and there SHOULD
be no scruple or hesitation in scattering
flowers upon their graves. They paid thu
full penalty of their mistakes, and thei
bravery is precious national possession.