The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-05-20
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
The Proposed Memorial Hall.

Inc proposed memorial HAN.
To the Editor Of the indianapolis Journal
desire to say to the good people of the State
few words in behalf of tho soldiers memorial
fund.
have for some time been impressed with the
idea that our citizens who were not soldiers have
had wrong impression about the connection
the Grand Army of the Republic have with the
matter. The enterprise originated with some
good people of our State who had never seen any
military service, but before matters had pro
crossed very far they came to the conclusion
that it would obviate the expense and delay Of
organization throughout the State if the Grand
Army, with its posts already organized, would
take the matter in hand and act merely as trus-
tees of the fund raised, which arrangement was
entered into. By some means the impression
almost Immediately entered the minds of our
citizens that the Grand Army was
going to build the monument or
memorial hall, something like Masons
and Odd-fellows build their grand lodge
halls Nothing could be more erroneous, and as
the object is monumental in its nature this idea
has placed us in the humiliating attitude of APP
pearing to build our own monument to perpet-
nate our own memory, a thing we would be far
from doing The object is three-fold in its ma
ture First, to perpetuate the memory Of the
dead, not the living soldier The thousands of
nameless heroes who sleep in unmarked graves
beneath the pine and magnolia are objects of
this fund.- that all future ages, upon beholding
the monument, may call to mind the patriotism
and devotion to country that caused these
known heroes to freely offer up their lives that
fba try min
is intended, if funds enough are
raised, to erect hall that enough
room shall be set aside therein to stow away the
tattered flags of our various regiments, along
with other mementoes and historical relics of the
war. This would be a safe as well as the most
appropriate place for them. But the third is the
best 1t is that future generations, having this
constant reminder before Them may not only
recOlect the soldier and his brave deeds but that
the cause or rather the principle for which he
laid down his life may be loved and revered by
all our people. 1t is to beget and keep alive in
the hearts of our citizens the love of country
and the determination that for all time the
grand idea The federal Union, it must and shall
be preserved is rooted and grounded and makes
an anchor both sure and steadfast that shall
last to the latest generation. Now, if the object
is worthy, should not our citizens who were not
soldiers respond right noby to the call for funds!
| am oath to believe that the love to the soldier
Of which we hear so much from all parties and
in the newspapers, is only a hollow one for the
living soldier who can vote and has an influence
in directing the success or defeat of men and
parties. Christ said: eff you love me, feed my
lambs. We say, if you love tho soldier and his
cause do something to perpetuate the memory
of our dead comrades. ] think if this matter is
rightly understood the good people Of the State
will not suffer the appeal to be
made in vain. The men who compose
the G. A. r. don't expect those who
never endured the fatigue and hardships of the
camp and march, who never faced the shot and
Sir all of the enemy upon the field of battle to
have the same feelings of reverence Tor our dead
comrades as those Of us who saw their upturned
faces beside the hastily constructed trench that
was to hold all that was mortal of the nations
willing martyrs, who, leaving home and
loved ones, with all other dear ties and asso-
ages. and poured out their patriotic blood so
freely upon the altar of our country, but we do
expect and hope thatou citizens whose homes we
saved, whose flag upheld and whose liberties
we perpetuated, will join with US in thus perpet
uating the memory of those who have been laid
awayto
''Seep the sleep that knows waking"
The Hon l.. NJ. Campbello of Danvile, from the
beginning has seen the matter in its proper light
and think | but voice the sentiment of all the
members of the g. A. r. when | say he has our
beievef all will join in this grand enterprise by
their contributions, from the small child with its
penny to the men and women with their dollars
from one to a hundred, that not only will
have q memorial hall of which our State will be
proud but that spirit of patriotism will be
aroused in the hearts Of our people that shall be
credit to our State for all time to come.
LEVI FERGUSON
MARTINsvILLE, May 49, 1884.
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