Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-05-30
THE DAY.

This is the.day set apart for showing re-
spect by simple ceremonial to the memory
of American citizens, who, in the hour of
the Nations need, offered their services
and pledged their lives for the defense of
free institutions. That the war in which
these men served the Union was an inter-
nlcine struggle, that it was bloody con-
test between brethren, made the sacrifice
of the soldiers of the Union all the more
noble. They had not only to give up
home, loves and friends to do battle for
the flag and all of which it is typical, but
they were called upon to do violence to
the natural regard men have for their fell
low countrymen. There was greater sacri-
flee therefore on the part of the soldiers of
the rebellion than is made by those who
take up arms to resist the assaults of for
eign foes.
To go once year to the graves of the
soldiers OF the nation and quicken the
memory of their sacrifice, is not only
tender ceremonial doing honor to our hui
man nature, but it is an exercise that re-
news the patriotic spirit and energies
love for the unity of the Nation. 1t is
teaching anniversary, also, since it tends
to inform the generation that has risen
since the close of the war, of the true spirit
that animated the prosecution of the con-
test on the part of the Federal Govern
ment. 1t stimulates sound reading upon
the subject, and inspires respect and cult
Yates love for the flag of the indissoluble
Union of sovereign States, and therefore
strengthens the spirit of American insti-
tutions.
The anniversary is in no respect in the
nature of purposeful reproach to the sur
viyors of the rebel hosts; it says to them,
We cannot forget, while we do forgive;
we do not decorate these graves to renew
the memories of bitterness, but to testify
to the admiration of true men and women
for heroism, and to pay tribute to the
spirit that moves men to lay down their
lives in defense of the institutions of their
country. By this simple and touching
ceremonial of strewing the graves of our
departed soldiers with flowers of spring.
we seek to impress upon the minds of
youth the truth that nations are not I'M
grateful, and that for devotion to the flag
there is always to be found reward in the
generous hearts of their countrymen."
That all the people should take part in
the observances of Memorial Day is fitting.
There is not particle of fear to be enter
tanned that the American people will give
too much of attention or time to the con-
seryation of patriotic sentiment. The
bonds that make us one people are of the
character that they need to be kept con-
stantly before the thoughts of the citizens
and those among us who still are aliens.
The education of the rising generation is
IN no danger of being overloaded with pa
triotic teaching or historical review of the
struggles through which the nation has
pissed in attaining its present grandeur.
We are practical, pushing, nervous PEG
pie, so absorbed with the cares of business
the contests for the front rank, and the
issues Of party, that every occasion bring
ing our thoughts back to the national
level, and causing US to reflect upon the
precious nature of the magnificent heritage
we enjoy, has a tendency to strengthen our
regard for self-goyernment, and to deepen
our resolution to preserve the republic
against the assaults of foes from without.
or from the more dangerous doubts and
conspiracies within. Political intrigues.
official venality, party contention and In
diyidual ambition cannot undermine the
national strength SO long as the people are
imbued with deep love for the basic princi-
piles, upon which the American Govern
ment is built. All such celebrations
and ceremonials as that of this day have a
direct tendency to augment that love, to
lift the people to the level of true patriot
ism and above the mere contention of par
ties, the disputes of the ambitious, the
doubts and fears of political pessimists and
the miserable schemes o.. anarchists and So
cial disturbers.