Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1890-04-25
CURRENT AFFAIRS.
MEMORIAL nav AND THE q. 4. r.

Earnest Words froni n HRiifnx Veteran.
Mr. Eiitor-D Dear Sir Please allow me
space in your columns to say few words
for the Grand Army and the Woman's Re
lief corps Of our town. IL is the expressed
opinion Of some of the inhabitants that the
old soldiers and their associates, more espe-
cally those in connection with the post,
are a shiftless and mischief making class,
not worthy Of recognition by those who
take pride IN thinking themselves members
Of the aristocracy, and, as one man ex-
pressed it, when the subject Of an appro-
priatiou for Memorialday came up, a set Of
beggars and the worst element that the
country has 10 contend with, while others
said that it was foolish to vote money to
the post for the members would waste it
in sumptuous and riotous feasting. As
member in good standing Of that organiza-
| tion | deny the charge, and know where
Of speak when | say that not dollar,
not even a penny of the towns money will
he wantonly squandered but that it shall
be used for the purpose for which it was
| designed-ths sacred observance of Memo
rial day. 1t seems to be the opinion Of
some that it is incumbent upon the post and
| corps TO decorate the graves of those who
| died that the Union might live, forgetting
that it was through the hardships, priva-
tions and sutferings Of the soldiers who
participated in the war Of the rebellion
that they are now enjoying period of
peace and prosperity which has not been
exceled since the foundation Of this gov
erument was laid and the corner. stone ce-
mented with the blood Of their forefathers
Well do | remember, as | look back 10 the
dark days Of '6l 10 6j how a soldier was
| looked up TO how he was honored and re
vered, and might with truth say that he
was even worshipped by some Of the stay
at-homes, who were glad to get the quota
| filled and so be relieved from the fear of
being drafted. But now the war has closed,
the axe been ground, and the soldiers mis-.
sion ended. Oh, how are the mighty fall
en- The widows, the orphans, the sisters
and the sweethearts Of those who gave
their lives that their friends might enjoy
the blessings of peace, need not TO be re.
minded Of their duty as the memorial an
niversary draws near Their sympathy
and loyalty cannot he doubted Their tears
have been shed aud are rs freely mingled
with the dust as is the blood of those loyal
| volunteers, who, after receiving that last
| farewell. hastened at their country's call to
battle for the homes and fresides Of those
| left behind. dearer to them even than life
itself
But It is to those who were not so un.
| fortunate that / wish to say few words
| IL was in the winter Of 1868 that Mrs Hen
ry $ Kimball Of West Philadelphia, being
on a visit in the South saw some Of the
southern women scattering flowers upon
the graves of their friends who had been
| killed in battle, and she wrote 10 her friend,
Gen. John A. Logan, suggesting 70 him
that it would be nice thing to have the
graves Of our dead soldiers decorated in
the same manner. Gen Logan replied,
thanking her for the suggestion, promising
| 10 do what he could toward the adoption of
such course He then being commander
in-chief Of the Grand Army of the Repub
| lie, issued his famous order No | that all
Grand Army posts throughout the United
| States should observe and keep sacred May
80 for the purpose of decorating with flow
ers the graves of their late comrades in
arms, 1t was generally observed with
great enthusiasm throughout the Union,
many civilians taking part in the exercises,
as he expected they would do, although he
had no authority to command them 10 do
| so. Thus started custom which has
grown aud broadened with each successive
year, until the citizens of every creed,
| waking up to its importance, have Joined
hands with the comrades in a more impress
sive observance of the occasion, and it is
well that they should do so, for soon the
old veterans will obey the last long roll.
call and he camping on the other side Of
the river, leaving to you, fellow citizens.
and to your descendants the sacred duty of
keeping fresh before the minds of the peo
pie the memories Of the last cruel war and
nf recounting TO generations vet unborn
the noble deeds of valor done by the chiv
airy in blue how more than two millions
Of strong and healthy yeomen marched
with steady and unfaltering steps to meet
the enemy who threatened TO invade our
homes, take captive our families, and es
tabhsh on our hearthstones an altar to slav-
cry.
History tells us that nearly one-half of
those noble heroes have been mustered into
the Grand Army above, and that the 9th
ers are following at the rate Of 40, 600 year
ly Nav you ever hold and maintain that
spirit of loyalty for the Union which has
always filled the hearts Of its noble defend
ers Teach 10 the children the principles
underlying the system of self government
as taught by the trainers Of the constitu
ton, until in their youthful minds there
springs up patriotic love and reverence for
the Old star spanged banner, under which
so many precious lives have been given that
it might still wave triumphant over land
and sea.
In conclusion will say in behalf Of the
post, that although we did not solicit or ex
pect aid from the town, yet we are thank
full 10 know that there are so many who
are willing and even anxious TO assist us in
our patriotic labors, and we shall ever hold
It in grateful remembrance, as also the
timely and substantial aid which we re-
ceived last year from private sources.
$
Halifax, April, 1890.