The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1891-06-03
MEMORIAL DAY THOUGHTS.


there came response that surprised even
the most hopeful. In short time there
was sorrow and mourning in almost every
hamlet and city-sorrow for those named
In battle and mourning for those dead.
On every field where the conflict ragged
lie the remains of dear ones. Their bones
are Wondering to-day beneath almost
every acre of Virginia's bloody soil; they
sleep far from home on unknown fields,
by each river and tree, among the noun
tains of Georgia; they mingled their blood
with the great Mississippi as il rolled on
ward to the sea, and in the hallowed spots
that mark the last resting place of those
who were fortunate enough to get home
to die, or were brought by loving hands
from death-strewn fields, are the sacred
remains of those who were near aud dear
to the homes made desolate.
After a time, when peace reigned In
our borders, there sprang up a beautiful
custom of strewing these graves of our
heroes with the first flowers of Spring by
those who survived them, and the day
was called by the comrades Of the Grand
Army Memorial Day.
While the ceremony of strewing was
done by living comrades of those depart
ed, yet the whole nation stood still and
with uncovered heads the people gathered
In the resting places of the dead and took
part in the ceremony and by their pre-
sence did honor to the memory of the
fallen in battle, by whose death the nation
stll lived.
Years have elapsed since then, yet the
work of strswing continues, but the sa.
credness of the occasion is fast approach
ing an end, save by those whose bounden
duty will ever keep them at their posts so
long as one is left, who wore the Federal
blue, or by those who having felt the loss
of father, husband, son or brother, gather
with them and look on with tear-dimmed
eyes, remembering, that to the living as
well as dead heroes, there should be
certain veneration for the hardships and
trials endured In securing peace that all
enjoy.
Memorial Day has in most States been
made legal holiday and with the holiday
has crept in all the forms Of amusement
pertaining to such times.
A base ball game In the afternoon of
Memorial Day, although the time was Ak
ed at an hour when the ceremonies were
supposed would be over, attracted more
persons before the ''gams" was called,
than the ceremony itself, aud in many cases
those taking part could not wait until the
event for which the day was set apart was
over and left the hall.
There is no intention In these thoughts
to discourage or interfere with base ball.
There are thousands who enjoy the game
in fact it is called our national game.
Still the two events were never intended
to go together or to interfere with each
other.
1t may be argued that the slrewing of
flowers by the old soldiers on the graves
OF departed comrades has no charm for
the young and rising generation. Admit
this, yet the older ones, those of age and
experience, those who have charge of the
youth, should set an example and by their
presence and encouragement show to the
young that to respect the living and honor
those who have died that the nation might
live, will generate feeling of love for
home and country that will be of use in
after years.
When speakers or orators are engaged |
and announced to deliver an address on |
such an occasion as Memorial Day, they
spend some time 10 thought and prepare
ton, that they may properly express SEN
timents In accord with the event which
calls the people together. That too much
time is often consumed where there are
several speakers, all prepared to speak
their piece, is often the case, yet, to be
interrupted just as one commences or is
partly through with an address, causes
unpleasant feelings and leaves an impress
sion that the words spoken are not in har-
mony with the listeners or else that some
more important event calls them away.
Now, what more important event could
enlist the sympathies Of Americans or OF
patriotic sons OF Americans, than that of
honoring the memory Of those who gave
their lives for the land Of the free and the
home OF the brave they profess to dearly
love so well2
When Memorial Day shall come again.
let such arrangements be made that the
ceremonies incident TO the day be com
pletely over before those OF another and
an entirely different nature be inaugur-
ated.
While there is no intention to infer that
those who manage, take part or look on
game OF base ball, wish to interfere with
the memorial services, yet II can easily be
seen that such is the case aud there Is no
reason why arrangements cannot be made
SO that these unpleasant feelings may be
overcome and all unite with the Grand
Army who played "ball' Of different ma
ture during the dark days of the rebellion,
in doing honor to the mem DRY OF fallen
comrades, who did not make "home
runs, but were left on the ''ficld" through
the catching OF ''hot ball. Then, those
who arc not overcome with memories of
the past as thoughts come up Of tribula-
tions which those dear to them suffered,
and the sorrow and care endured during
all these years on account Of loss sustain
cd through death OF ''only supports" are
received, go and enjoy 10 the fullest ex-
tent the national game. NJ. y.