Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-02-26
ANDERSON GUARDS,
Flag Presentation

Flag FreSontdUOn.
On last Saturday, February 22d, the
ladies of this place presented to the
Anderson Guards, beautiful flag.
The Companyewas formed on Main
street and marched into the Court
House, where the flag was for
mally presented, in the presence OF a
number OF ladies and large number oil
citizens. P. w. Magruder, Esqr., in
presenting the flag, delivered the fol-
Loving
! PRESENTATION SPEECH.
The birthday of Westinghouse most
appropriate occasion for me represent
ing the ladies. to present the banner OF
his and their mother State, with its un :
dying motto to those who represent the
chiyalrY Of the Commonwealth. The
day reminds us of the Father of his
country, whose character was honor,
and whose life was virtue. Those whom
| | represent are to our minds ideals OF
the true, the beautiful and the good
and the banner OF the virgin State, that
purity that is above suspicion, ever
placing its foot upon usurpatlon in the
individual, in society or in government,
with a warning to you, its defenders,
while standing up for your government,
your homes, your friends, not to forget
the duty that you owe to yourselves, to
preserve your truth, your honor and
your integrity. The occasion Is doubly
pleasant TO me, because when lsok to
those whom represent, ii is pleasant
10 see Virginia's daughters proud OF the
good old State, as well as devoted TO
her sons, aud when 1 look TO you
the recipients, l am reminded by
your equipments as we'll as by your
name of the time when a COM
pany set forth from this place, bouyant
with youthful hopes and laudable ambi-
tons Of the trying hardships of sold
ier's life, when we discussed the future,
thought Of the past and forgot the pres
ent; OF the more trying hour Of battle,
when we stood side by side, shoulder
to shoulder, facing death for that which
was dearer than life. Then our sorrow
as we buried some upon the hard fought
field, or silently laid them to rest after
lingering illness, so that some we lett
upon the battlefield, and some within
the church-yard laid, alike their memory
cherished and their loss lamented,
" Then wreathe your chaplets for each humble
" were folly one to name where all were brave"
What nobler work is left for us whom
God has spared, than to speak the ylr-
tues of those whose faces we shall see
no more? Yes, he is brave who faces
death IN battle, and rushes on the can
mons mouth. but drawer still, who like
the immortal Washington, subdues his
passions, and to the tempter bravely
answers, No!
In receiving this token Of regard, re-
member that to you is entrusted not only
the honor Of your State, the honor OF
your community and Of those who haye
shown an especial interest IN your sue
cess, but also the memory Of her noble
dead. Eyer show then that you are
gentlemen, worthy the trust repssed IN
YOU, remembering that your town will
be Judged by your behavior, and that
YOU are only safe when you are acting
from principle, and that principle, right
principle, founded upon truth. Then
80 1--we and act as to prove that you are
the noble offspring Of noble race, ever
proud of the grand old title: Virginia
Gentlemen"
Reared and rocked in the cradle Of
Liberty, ever cling to those principles
that made Washington Father Of his
country, Lee, the Idol sfthe South, anC
Jackson the Stonewall Of our own beau
tiful Valley, and our grand old Republic
rising above the bribery and corruption
Of the present, shall yet stand out to th'
world as one among many.
Then in the name Of the ladies, o
| the Old Folks concert, and Of the Gem
munity, 1 present this flag. Take i
and may you never disgrace it by un
gentlemanly conduct, may its folds new
er trail in the dust of cowardice or dis
honor, but cherish it and the purity
represents for your own, your country
and your commnnity's sake.
Then take It and proudly its folds unfurl,
The virgin State still lives,
| And her purity of life, not name,
Her proudest record gives.
Yes TO herson most anxiously she looks
To keep her standard high,
To speak, TO think, to act, indeed to live,
In truth, in purity.
The flag was received by Capt. J
t w. Magruder who responded in tn
earnest tones of the soldier, IN the 70
lowing
RECEPTION SPEECH.
LADIES'
AS the representative of I'll
', Anderson Guards, desire to express
in the simplest language, their and m
gratitude to you for this most high
priced gift. Feel assured that for yc
they cherish the highest feelings, al
that your kind work in procuring f
- them this beautiful flag is most high
appreciated. Permit me to EXPIRE
the desire that whenever this bann
>, shall be unfurled to the breeze. wheth
! IN time Of peace or war, the regard thu
:, now profess for you and your gift sha
1o f1at y,