The National tribune., 1894-05-24
MEMORIAL DAY.
Sweet and Tender Thoughts for the Nation's
Sacred Day.
MEMORIAL DAY.

MEMORIAL DAY.
DEAR C. c. FRIENDS: Again Memorial Day
approaches the day with its hallowed remem-
brances, and it should bring the past very near
to as, with its unequaled hardships, suffering,
and final victory.
We should come with tender hearts and low
ing hands to pay the tribute of love we owe to
the comrades who fought so heroically and died
to save this American Nation and are now at
tending the grand Reunion above.
Our hearts are sad when we think of the
brave, true-hearted boys in blue who never
came back TO the homes they loved so well, but
proud that Americas sons were brave enough
to defend our glorious Stars and Stripes.
Let US not vainly weep for those whose glory
was TO die that the country they loved so well
might live, but strive to learn the lessons of
devotion which springs from the graves we
decorate.
1t is true the sunshine Of May will soon
wither the flowers we scatter above the silent
tombs of these fallen patriots, but in honoring
the dead we show our devotion to the living,
whose silvery locks are fast turning white.
One by one these old heroes drop by the way
and il will not be long, not many years, till the
last hero of 81, with whitened hair, wrinkled
face and Bonded form, will be hid forever from
our view by the narrow turf; for we know there
are many more graves to decorate this year th an
in '93.
There are many who only last May dropped
flowers and tears on the graves of the comrades
who are now in the silent bivouac of the dead.
While we honor the dead let us not forget
the living but stand by them, and let them
know we love the country they preserved for
us.
IT'S sad tits sad TO think
Each comrade taken breaks n link:
The chain fast shortens: who may know
How soon another link may go?
Loyalty Cora Davidson, Concord, Tenn.
RETRosPECTIoN.
o, years that have flown since the dread years Of
Turn backward your footsteps and show us once
The past Let us hear the fierce musketry rattle
And see the flags waving again as Of yore
Turn back ward. o. years. Lo. here Is the
And clouds of dun vapor the fields curtain DER.
o, harki Hear the bugle-notes cheering and call
The war,drums are beating and flags are un-
furled,
| The noise OF the combat Is wild and appalling,
While iron from the lannon's mouth hercely is
Fast in me conflict our heroes are falling,
But lame oi their vaior shall ring through the
| world.
The homes of the Northland know trouble and
The bravest are gone from their loved ones
| away;
Though hope for the future the mourners would
I borrow,
They long for yet shrink from the news of the
| fray.
They wish for yet dread the near dawn Of the
| morrow;
OWN it be better or worse than tO-dayf
Once more sound the bugles, now wild with re-
| joicing,
For victory is won and the vctors return;
| The giadness OF millions the music Is yoicinR
| Alar on the hitops the beacon-fr burn;
But alb some are asking, with tremulous voices
Some word Of the missing or fallen 10 learn
| The years passing onward bring new scenes before
| US;
Once more play the bugles. now sweetly and
| low,
| Soft as an echo-seng now Is the chorus
| That rang out so wildly in days long ago.
Though hosts the bright flag of Columbia DER US,
| There needs no defense. for there threatens no
foe.