Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1888-06-01

CHdc bctwt en- our country ard It's Toes. Let
us recall their tolls, thef suiliernps their he
IOtsm, their su prcme iid sIltY in camp in
prsun-pcn, on the battlefield andiin hospital,
that the fl X under which thcv fought ana
from the shadows whosc ioldi they were
promoted, may never he d d!shOnOrcd that.
as we stand by every grave as bet ore an altar,
we may pledge our manhood that, so help us
GOd, the memory OF our dead shall encourage
ana strengthen in us all more loyal patriot
ism.
Flowers were then deposited on Gen.
Stannard's grave by Senior Vice. Com
mander NJ. Cunningham, who spoke as
follows:
In your name, my comrades I deposit these
memorial flowers upon this grave which rep
reseuts the graves of all who diod IN the sa-
cred cause of our country. our floral tribute
shall wither Let tn" tender t1aternal love
tor which IL stands endure until the touch of
death shall chill the warm pulse beat of our
hearts.
The chaplain, Rev. f. G. McFarlan, then
said
Comrades. by this service. without distnc-
tiOn OF race or creed. we renew our pledge to
exercise II spirit of fraternity among our
selves, of charity to the destitute wards OF the
Grand Army, aud of loyalty to the authority
and Union OF the United States of America,
and to our GLORIOUS flag, under whose folds
every Union soldiers or sailors grave is the
altar of patriotism.
The hymn, 1--WE Deck their Graves
Alike To-day" was then rendered by a
Quartette consisting of MessrS ; ID. Hop
kins, b. Swift, &. d. Sherman and Thomas
Rose, after which the veterans deployed
to decorate the graves and the band play
ed dirge. The service done, and after
"taps" had been sounded by the bugler,
George d. Sherman, the line reformed ut
the sound of the bugle assembly and
marched through Elmwood avenue, Pearl
street and st. pAul street to the City PARK.
THE SERVICES IN CITY PARK
A large crowd of people had assembled
in City Park, where seats had been ar
ranged in semi-circle about the band
stand. Among those who had seats on
the platform were Rev. ID. n. Parsons, the
orator of the day, President Buckham
and other invited guests of the post. Post
Commander Ray presided, and after the
singing of the memorial hymn by the
quartette prayer was offered by Rev. f.
q. McFarlan. After another see tiOn by
the quartette entitled "ConsolatiOn' Rev
Mr.. Parsons was introduced and spoke in
part as follows:
A little over 100 years ago the nation
stood at one of the turning points in its
history. They were engaged in struggle
that was to influence its people for all time
to come. Fourth of July is the national
birth day, and believe IN the enthusiasm
that finds expression on that day, and
stimulates our patriotism. A quarter OF a
century ago the nation experienced an
other struggle from which 1t came forth
purified. The nation has gone through
three critical wars those of l716, 1872 and
1851. The true meaning of liberty Eas
learned in the last. If the Bible and edu
cation were to be taken from our people
the meaning of republican liberty would
lose It's true significance. The speaker
then referred to the religious spirit man
ifpStp1 nv thp women Of mpi ira lnriuU
the revolutionary war. The years have
rolled on and time has shown the value of
their good work. When opposing elements
threatened the loss of all that had been
gained the women again consecrated
them~ selves to the cause OF human righ,s.
The struggle was terrific one. The
South hated the North and the
North hated the South This grand
Old America was born in battle
and twice it has been kept alive by battle.
He then spoke of the services of our fallen
brothers over whose graves wave the ma
tiOnal flag to-day aud quoted Corporal
Tanners saying that "ail the nations on
Gods earth have got to look up now to
see the stars and stripes" The speaker
then referred to the doubts that assailed
lpyal hearts when Lincoln called the
North to arms and spoke of the part that
Divine Providence had taken in shaping
the destuies OF the nation, The old su-
perstition that devotion springs from ig-
uorauce Is dead. To he without devotion
to principle is worse than war. We of the
q. ~. r. know but one party-that of 10y
atty to the flag, but one nationality, hat
Of the stars and stripes. The speaker uru
referred 10 the valuable services and ELI
couragement of the Womau's Relief corps.
We do not realize often the full meaning
or extent of their sacrifices.
Every nation i developed by trial, SUIT
ferlng and sacrifices the same as human
DO alternative but war. Ii WAS so with us in
1851, scholars o" statesmen could not
have saved us. He then referred to the
apparent division of the North and the
pNrHl SIS of the government as compared
with the unity aud activity of the South,
but at length the spell was broken and
the Northern might uprOSe to aVenge the
dishonored flag, and au army, so to
~peak, was eXtempOrzed III day.
To-day it seems like a dream, but it WAS
burning fact. 1t was the most remark
able Outbutst of patriotism ever known.
The nation was born again | am strong
ly opposed to any word or action that
would reopen the old scars of war now
healed. | would do anything to bury the
war spirit, but | would not forget what
we passed through, Our fallen heroes
died in defence of a principle As broad as
the earth and as high as heaven. In the
q. A. r. ! know no democrat, no republi-
hearts OF the survivors OF the war. In
view of the peril that threatened the ma
tion is II not fitting TO observe
this day? Z he speaker then mentioned a
home where the father and two sons laid
down their lives to save the country and
where on each Memorial day the aged
mother decorates the photographs of her
dear departed with tDwers. He recalled
to the minds of veterans the scenes at
parting from mothers and sisters, the
bomesckne's AT the front and the trials
and prlvations of active service, and then
turned to tie thousands of anxious hearts
at home after every battle. If others could
realize these experiences they would not
wonder at the soldiers love for his com
rade or the tie that binds the
Woman's Relief corps together The
speaker often found himself wondering if
he could give up his hoy as his mother
gave up him u years ago. He WAS aware
that the Grand Army was charged with
Acknowledgements and selt-applause but
keep up the spirit, comrades, il Will not be
long before the Sons of Veterans viii have
to perform the memorial service which we
performed to-day.
The speakereXpressed thankfulness that
gallant PM Sheridan was spared during