The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1894-05-31
The names of our Washington, Lincoln and
Grant

AS the little detachment of veterans who
represent the corps and divisions that once
made up the embattled hosts Of the 9. A. R.
their tribute at the graves of their fallen
comrades, the whitened head, the slower
steps, the thinner ranks, will all suggest how
rapidly the Roll of Honor is frightening,
and how soon the services of Memorial Day
must be transferred to other hands. Whole
brigades cross the river, every week; There
seems to be special mortality visiting US,
our history is becoming pathetic indeed. Yes
there are more graves to decorate this year
than ever before. and fewer hands to per-
tle-scared veterans are being mustered out
Our camp-tires will soon be extinguished
Soon the u A. R. will pass into history.
rhere nee pe anotSer
like It. No child can be born into it; no proc
lamation of president, edict of king or ukase
OF Gar can command admission: no univers-
ity or institution of learning can issue a d.
ploma authorizing its holder to enterance;
no act OF congress or parliament secures rec
ignition; the wealth of Vanderbilt cannot
buy the position: it's doors swing open only
upon presentation of a bit of paper, worn, be-
grimed it may be with age, which certifes
to an honorable discharge from armies or
rebellion. And unlike any other association
no new blood can come in: there are nc
growing ranks from which recruits can be
ton Of peace through victory, it's rolls were
closed forever Its lines are steadily and
swiftly growing thinner, and the ceaseless
tramp OF its columns is with ever-lessening
tread: the gaps in the picket line grow wider;
day by day details are made from the re-
serve. summoned into the shadowy regions
to return to touch elbows no more: until by
and-by. only solitary sentinel shall stand
guard waiting till the bugle call from beyond
shall muster out the last cOmrade OF the
Grand Army of the Repu blic.5.
one can look into the future but little
way, and see that ere long few white-hair-
ed old men will gather for our annual asso-
Citations and reunions, to talk over the ex.
periences of the strife and struggle, and tC
pray for the blessing of God to rest upon the
their homes to wait, and listen for the frs,
faint roll of the tattoo of DEATH which to the
soldier means lights out. and to rest" anG
that low, sad throb of the drum shall sum.
mons US to our graves, over which the glOr.
ious banner of a united nation will be float.
Spangled banner, with its galaxy full, may
still be floating under these starlit skies wheI
they the angels shall beat over our sleeping
dust the reveille of the resurrection morn:
Comrades, let us turn once more from
the solemn obsequies of this day to life's du
ties, with faith look upward, and with zeal
press forward, ever Clinging to Him wht
will say to the North give up, and to thu
South keep not back: bring my sons from
far and my daughters from the ends of tn.
earth" When all they that have lived ant
died for truth and righteousness shall NEE
in fairer cline, where there will be NJ
more graves to decorate, where flowers
never fade, and hearts never grow sad
God bless our native land, firm may sh
bless the G. A. R., and may He grant tina
"the Star Spangled banner long may it wave
DER the land OF the free and the home o
the brave