Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-05-28

Gather the brightest flowers and rever
emily lay them upon the honored graves 81
our fallen heroes. Give this one day W
TO the memory of our loved ones. Let
business be suspended and all the nation
ioin in honoring the noble dead. The
heartfelt gratitude of a mighty people Is
abundantly manifested in the solemn step
of the myriads this day reverently decorating
the city of the dead with the most fragrant
flowers. How grandly impressive the scene
a great nation bowling in sorrow by the
green mounds where their sons and brothers
sleep, undisturbed by the stirring scenes in
the struggling world they have left. May
the earnest prayers Of our peopele this day
ascend to the mercy seat of our God and
Father for his blessing upon the families Of
the fallen and the nation that their sacri-
fee has saved from utter desolation, sorrow
and ruin.
OF the men that went forth to meet and
repel those who sought to overthrow our
government, many never returned to the
charmed and loved family circle again.
Many rest in unknown graves. This day a
grateful nation suspends ordinary business
and pleasures, and visits the last resting
place of the noble martyrs by whose sacri-
fees and death the nation lives to honor
their memory.
Far back in the past generations we must
Of tho rahallinn that h nd
been for years growing and spreading
through our Southern domain. 1t had long
since been evident to the thoughtful OBJ
server that terrible conflict was pending,
and that the cause of that conflict would up
heave the very lowest foundation of the sys-
tenn that had been for many years bone OF
contention through all the land. 1t came,
and for four long and weary years the bitter
contest was waged, which finally eliminated
in our triumph.
Fifteen years have elapsed since the war
closed. Almost another generation has
grown up, upon which the public trusts and
duties will soon devolve. That they may
be inspired by the same noble spirit of
bravery and patriotism which actuated the
soldiers of the late war should be the high
est aspiration of every good citizen. And
we believe that we shall not be disappointed
in them. The blood which runs in their
veins is loyal blood, and their education and
traditions admirably fit them, if need come
which may heaven avert-for gallant de
tenders of the integrity and the honor of
their country.
We bear no spirit of enmity to our former
foes. Gladly we welcomed them back into
the Union, and with gratitude have we OBJ
served every evidence of their sincerity of
purpose and love for the old flag.
Let the bow of promise span our whole
country, from its Northern limit to the
farthest Southern border, and all reposing
under its brilliant arch clasp hands and
swear undying fealty to the institutions and
government of our country. Divided we
fall, and fail in the great object for which
all governments were instituted. United,
we shall steadily become stronger, and more
respected by all the world. Our influence and
enterprise will reach every cline. Our thrift
and general prosperity will be seen and ap-
preciated by all nations.
This is the last continent brought under
the influence of Christian civilization, and
here will be the eliminating point where
that civilization will assert its power and
stamp its impress upon the brightest pages
of the history of our race, blending the
beauties and fragrance of the fruits and
flowers gathered along the stream of time
with the newer and richer tints, and the
choicest fragrance greeting us at every step
Bring flowers, then, and lay them upon
the graves of our loved and lost brothers,
and while our country lives may each year
bring more and fresher flowers for the graves
Of the dead, and brighter hopes for the
living.