The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1892-05-24
MEMORIAL DAY.
The Grand Army Posts Want it Strictly
Observed.
In Difference to Their Wishes the Y
NJ. c. a. VIII Postpone Its
Proposed Field Day.

The.following correspondence, relating
to the observance of Memorial Day, be-
tween the Memorial Day Committee of
the Grand Army posts and the Young
Mems Christian Association, is self
explanatory:
SACRAMENTO, May %, 1892.
10 the Secretary Young MEMS Christian
association, Sacramento CuI.-DEAR SIR: The
General Committee appointed by the Grand
Army OF the Republic organizations OF Sacra-
mento 10 arrange for the observance of Memo
rial Day MAY 30th) has received reliable in
formation that the Young Mems Christian
ASSOCIATION of Sacramento intend to make a
ueld Day OF that occasion. L am directed by
the General Committee to inform you that
Memorial Day is sacred day IN the annals of
the Grand Army of the Republic all over the
united states, day set apart to do honor
and reverence to memories of dead heroes
sleeping iii thousands of unknown graves all
over this beautiful land.
IhlS day has been set aside as Grand Army
Day, and has been made national holiday
and belongs exclusively to the Grand Army
ot the Republic, and we look with diSfavor
upon an ything which will have tendency to
rob this day or its sacred suggestions, and
am requested to enter a solemn protest against
anything which will have tendency to lower
TINS day IN the estimation of the rising gem
Grafton. The aim of the Grand Army OF the
Republic Is TO keep green the memory of the
heroic dead whose blood was shed that this
nation might live that we to-day might be
permitted to assemble under the stars and
stripeS-the emblem of mans most perfect
government most perfect civilization.
All that we have and all that we are, has
been gained through the shielded blood of our
brothers and fathers who have gone before US,
ana Inc noerty, the prosperity, the happiness
ana the peace which we enjoy to-day we hold
at the point of the briStling bayonet Civiliza-
ton has been wrested from barbarism by
those who have shed their blood and died that
other men might live.
The Grand Army of the Republic as long as
IL may be permitted to live, proposes to de-
vote one day each year at least TO God and
country, and will always be found jealous of
any encroachmentS on its sacred rights.
JOHN c. MEDLEY.
SECRETARY sPEARES' REPLY.
In response to the above Secretary
Speares, Of the Young Mems Christian
Association, writes as follows:
SACRAMENTO, May %, 1882.
John {. Medley, Secretary General Commit
tee, q. Il. R.-DEAR SIR: In answer to your
communication of the 22d, would say that the
arrangements for our field day, on May 3Oth,
have progressed so far that we cannot now
change our plans without serious inconveni-
ence and financial loss. Our arrangements
were made for that DAY mainly because Decor
alton Lay has come to lie used more for such
purposes than for that for which it was orig
lnally intended, and also because, unfortu-
nately. the saturday half-holiday is so far
unknown here, and the legal holidays are the
stores and Offices can get for recreation.
Your General Committee are right in assum-
ing that the day should be observed as one
sacred to the memory of the fallen heroes OF
the war, and 1t is singular that we have so far
forgotten the object OF the day as TO apr ar
emily change 1t to day of recreation and
pleasure. Perhaps the members of the G. A
K. are, however, as much to blame for this as
any other body of citizens, from the fact that
as individuals they have not RETAINED from
participating in these other demonstrations
1t seems only necessary for your committee
to bring these things to the attention of the
people TO have the day properly observed:
land, while II Will result in serious loss to us
as an association TO change our plans at this
time, know that can promise you that the
Young Mems Christian Association will post
pone its field day, and will do nothing that
would rob Decoration Day of its sacredness
or seem to ignore The reasonable demands Of
the Old guard that are rapidly passing
away.
The aim of the Young Mems Christian AS
ISOLATION is toward an ideal manhood and
not the least OF the required essentials is
patriotism. If, In this connection, you will
allow n suggestion, permit me to say that |
think your committee could with a good
grace request the Saloon-keepers to fall in line
with the proper observance of the day and
close their places; for certainly if an athletic
exhibition on the part of the Young Mems
Christian Association is not in accordance
with the spirit of the day, the open saloon
with its special Decoration Day attractions y
is much less so and ii that cannot be done il
ought at least to be understood that no man
that wears the Grand Army of the Republic
badge or uniform can with consistency or
honor enter such place on that day. With
best wishes for your success in securing n
proper observance of the day. / remain
yours, JOHN L. SPEAREs
Secretary Y. NJ. G. A