The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-06-16
KEEPING MEMORIAL DAY.

NOTES AND INCIDENTS OF INTEREST.
Memorial Day was never universally observed
or with truer regard for the meaning OF the day,
than the Both Of May, 1892. and volumes
might be written to portray the beautiful ceremo-
MES. and yet the story remains untold.
Flowers were not as plentiful in the great North
land, owing to the back ward season, but there
were SO many hands 10 gather what there was that
the scarcity barely felt when the slow
marching columns OF the veterans were In line.
At Washington. for tho first time Memorial
Day all the Relief Corps and societies of patriotic
women. united their efforts to honor the brave de-
parted, and the result was a more even distribu-
ton Of floral emblems than ever before. At Ar
Ing,on every grave of that vast, solitary white sea
of graves was decorated, and the perfume Of roses
filed tho air.
Sheridan's tomb was bower of roses, sur.
mounted by huge Jacqueminot roses from
President Harrison. The Loyal Legion were rep
resented with a flag Of immortees and Potomac
Relief Corps with cavalry saddle Of roses and
immortelies.
Admiral Porter's grave was massed with roses
and twined with the National coors. the whole
surmounted by battleship of immortelles, in.
scribed: Potomac Association of Naval Veterans
A tribute to our shipmate."
Ida V. Hendricks, President decorated the tomb
of the unknown Dead The tomb was covered
with flag, and from each corner hung wreath
and from the front was suspended floral flag gift
Of Potomac Relief Corps to the 2Ill unknown dead
who sleep at Arlington. Potomac Corps also
placed floral piece on Gen. Logan's tomb. The
grave OF Isabel Urell, wife OF Past Department
COMMANDER Ureli, and Mrs. Van Duesen another
valued member of the Potomac Corps. were COM
peteiy covered with flowers, and here the Corps
held Memorial services.
IN CoNsEcRATED GROUND.
The body of Isabel Urell. wife of Past Depart
ment Commander Urei, rests In consecrated
ground. On May 10. 1892, members of Potomac
Corps attended the funeral rites at st. Patrick's
Catholic Church. The burial followed at Airing
ton where the soil first consecrated by the
priest and then the touching burial service of the
Relief Corps followed closing with blessing by
the Reverend Father. This Is probably the Arst
time that body of women ever took part In the
services Of Catholic funeral, conducted by priest
in high standing in his Church. In that most
beautiful OF all Gods acres the services were
doubly solemn, as the Corps stood with bowed
heads. surrounded by "the low green tents whose
curtains never outward swing"
THE DAY IN ILLINOIS
DEAR TRIBUNE: Letters from all portions of tho
State coming in, each giving gratifying inteli
gence of increased observance of Memorial Day
by the GAR. and W.RC. Jointly.
Corps 49, %. and l42 decorated 5785 graves at the
National Cemetery, Mound City The " Mem orial
Of the Flowers" was given under The supervision
of Department President Sarah Z. Harmon, win
ming the plaudits of the multitude.
Illinois Headquarters ut Washington are two
elegant parors located at l0i4 Fourteenth street,
directly opposite the new Cochran House. They
will be fitted ia nice style by the delegation
Pinkneyville are the latest applicants for Corps.
The busy hum OF activity continually pervading
our Department Offices Is pleasing feature, and
one which our thorough President, with her COM
peteDt assistants. Is fully capable of meeiing.-
Efae X. Kennedy, Department Corresponding Seq
rotary, Decatur, Ill