Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-06-16
The Monument to our Confederate Dead

Last week our annual memorial day, de-
voted to paying tribute to the memory OF
Confederate soldiers who sleep in Thorn
rose Cemetery, came around, and was cele-
brated with solemnity and interest. This
custom should not only be perpetual, but
it should grow in interest. Every year de-
creases TIE number of their companions
who survived the conflict of arms, and after
awhile the scenes of life will be no more
with them. The uppermost wish of their
hearts would invoke continuation OF
tribute-offering in prayer and song. in eu-
logy and military display, and in decora-
ton of the green sward which covers the
forms of their fallen comrades Tender
affection should accompany the recollections
of the past, and bind them for an endless
future, guarding and keeping watch
around the monuments upon which their
names, their deeds, their honor, and their
devotion to duty are inscribed.
The memorial shaft which will rise in
Thornrose will not only be commemorative
of those who rest upon that picturesque
eminence, but it will also be testimonial
alike to the sons of Aug usta, who, in the
vicissitudes of war, lie in unmarked graves
on battle-felds, in the burial grounds of
prison camps, and by the wayside, falling
where duty and their fate in the struggle
placed them. If such work could be ac-
complished, their names would be engraven
upon its panels as the affection and gratitude
and love of generations perpetuate in I'M
broken association all who served common
cause.
In the afternoon of Memorial day, the
augusta Memorial Association" held its
annual meeting, and continued its organi-
zation by the appointment of officers, COM
mittee men, &c. The report read shows a
good-sized fund on hand for the erection OF
monument, and initiatOry steps were
taken to increase it, and at once to set
about the work of rearing the shaft. Now,
gentlemen, do not let the matter rest with
the adoption of resolutions only. Rather
adopt the language of one Of your number
for your guide, in your efforts to increase
the monument-fund. He said, "We will
commence now and yield to no other claim
upon our ability to give and raise means,
for none can be higher or has greater claims
upon our efforts" Going out with that
sentiment, if only cherished in the breasts
Of those present, you would be able to raise
all that is needed; ..but you have whole
community which can have but one desire
in the matter; therefore, let the good work
be done and that speedily. You have but
to command your organized agency to com
mence again with determined purpose te
render your desire, and the sincere wish o.
the whole population, an accomplished
realization.
Not only did the Association prepare the
way for the early erection of the monument
but member who had thought much upor
the features as they should be in proper OBJ
servance of the annual memorial day, sub
mitted the same, which were auxiliary or
CARNATIONS throughout the county, will
ladies in charge of them for the collection
of flowers and the work of laying them up
on the graves. Each auxiliary organiza
ton would be assigned portion of the
grounds, and thus all would receive proper
attention. These, and other suggestions
in connection with the most sacred duty o
memorial day, will receive prompt atten
ton, and that occasion for 1887 will doubt
less be worthy of all the past, and in
fuse new spirit which will add increased
interest to the hallowed day, as it shall
come in all the years of future time.