The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-01-21
LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY.
A Patriotic Appeal to the Sons OF Veterans to Re-
we're the DaY.

Patriotic Appeal 10 the Sons or Veterans 10 he
we're the Day.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Historical msmo-
riss always stir the people of any nation to deeper
appreciation Of the circumstances Of their sur
roundings; all over the world song and story tell
OF the deeds of q nations heroes. The historical
memories of America thrill the hearts OF all her
As we look back the hundred years OF
our National existence the names Of Washington
and Lafayette; of Putnam and OF Anthony Wayne;
Of Perry and OF Paul Jones' start the blood eOursnR
through our veins at quckened pace. and as the
deeds OF these great men are reeted one can see
the eye Of tho listener fash with the fire Of patriot
Ism.
We are approaching the anniversary of the birth
day of Abraham Lincoln. VIII the sons Of the
soldiers OF the great emancipation celebrate " Union
Defenders DAy1" VIII they let the day go by
with but passing thought or will they gather to-
geiher in their Camp room. or In some hall, and
tell again the wondrous tale Of the selfsacrt
hoing herosm Of their fathers, and Of the great
leaders OF the Nation in the dark days Of ls6lI65
which gave to this world an assurance that Gov
eminent Of the people, by the people. and for the
people. should not perish from the earth"7 Are
the sons OF those brave men lacking In all APP
precialion Of our great birthright, that they will
give but a passing thought to this momsntous
period In our cOunlry's history1 God Forbid
Thirty years ago. at the call Of Abraham Lincoln,
hundreds Of thousands % the best citizens OF this
country gave up everything that they held dear
gave up their homes, their lifes hopes and joys
| In order that this free Government should live.
Our Order Is not for the purpose Of allowing It's
| members TO parade the streets in the garb Of the
soldier. II 10 not for the purpose Of organizing
social clubs IL Is to keep alive in hearts love
and devotion TO our institutions 10 foster an ap-
probation Ct the privileges they accord to men,
and TO keep alive the fire of patriotism among our
/ Acknowledged. IL is toteaeh the whole world
that Americans not only love their country but are
aFFnIu ehA hal qIlall he. mar
glorious as the years roll by. The influence OF our
Order in celebrating such an anniversary as this,
au influence which must 20 out among the people
As they see the bright camphres burning upon hill
and dale. In the city and In the field, In the hamlet
and In the village, a. they see these camplres OF
patriotism burning from Maine 10 California, and
from Oregon to Florida must be- incalculable. Let
/ every brother In some way set aside that day a.
oonsecrated to his country. Let every Camp do
what IL can 10 instruct its memb beers with Lessons OF
/ patriotism drawn from the life and deeds Of the
great Lincoln. Let every Brother realize that he
/ IA part Of the beautiful fabric Of our National
Government. and that upon him rests an Individual
responsibility to see that year by year this Govern
ment becomes better and purer.
| Our Order exists upon sentiment, and sentiment
| alone. Without the sacred memories Of our faith
ers' sacrifices we could not exist for day, and IL
| Is upon such anniversaries as Lincolu's birthday
home to with force that cannot but result In q
nobler manhood and purer citizenship.
! Sons OF Veterans, lay aside everything; celebrate
/ this day IN song and story, in banquetng and
| speeches celebrate IL ia any way that you canl
| No matter how humble no matter how gorgeous
| may be the entertainment, do what you to
| make this day one long to be remembered In our
/ own lives and In the history Of the Order. In no
/ way can we do moro for ourselves, more for our
/ country.
In no way can draw 10 ourselves greater
/ respect and = greater confidence from the public
/ than by publicly proclaiDiing TO all the fact that
| we studying and taking to heart the lessons
| drawn from the selfsacrihclng life Of Abraham
/ Lincoln. lie gave all that he had, even hts life,
that might enjoy the blessings Of free Govern
ment Let W, who are living in an age OF peace
and prosperity. with no probability Of ever being
| called upon to give up what he did and what our
fathers did let us, who enjoying the fruits Of
the labor Of others. give to our great beneiactOrs
the homage which IL their due, and let sit At the
| foOtstool Of the great men who have preceded US
and draw to ourselves an inspiration OF purer and
| nober and broader citizenship and manhood.
/ Make this anniversary of the birthday Of Abraham
Lincoln n great day in our Order. 80 that We will
hear from all this land that the Sons Of Vet
not forgetful, no. indifferent TO their
/ fathers. JOHN V. II. CLAEKsON,
QuArtermaster General s. Of w., u. 8. A. 40 Broad
/ way, New York.