The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1894-06-02
SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 1894.
DECORATION DAY.

The Memorial day set apart for honor
ing the nations patriot dead was ob
served last Wednesday in all sections of
the North with due reverence and SOL
emnity. Though thirty years have
elapsed since the Civil War, the beauti.
full custom of visiting the cemeteries and
decorating the graves of our heroes with
flowers is more popular and more Rener-
ally observed than ever, and the s,1rviv
ing veterans who in few years will
have passed away must feel cheered by
the recollection that they, too, will not be
forgotten, but that loving hands will an
nually decorate their graves, and that
grateful people will pay homage to their
dust. 1t is wholesome sentiment that
prompts the American people to pay rev
erence to the heroes Of the late war and
to pronounce glowing eulogies upon the
valorous deeds of men who fought and
died on Southern battleields in order
that "a government of the people, for the
people, and by the people should not per.
ish from the EARTH" Every nation hon
ors it's patriot dead, and why should not
America pay greater honors to the citi
zen soldiers who left home and kindred
at their country's call and rushed to bat.
tie to defend the Union? Humanity at
large owes debt Of gratitude to the
brave veterans who saved this nation,
for had treason succeeded in severing the
bond that unites our states, where could
oppressed humanity have refuge and a
home? The man who originated the ma
tion's memorial day, whoever he may be,
is public benefactor who deserves our
gratitude. Nothing is better calculated
to promote patriotism than the obsery
ance of this national holiday by all the
people, both native and adopted. Men
of all creeds, nationalities and politics
can participate in the exercises and cere
monies of the day, for there were brave
men of all countries, creeds and parties
who performed their whole duty to the
Union in the day Of peril When the
flag of treason waved no question was
asked as to the politics or religion of the
Union veterans. Both Republicans and
Democrats, Professionals and Catholics
did their duty nobly and we'll and are
entitled to an equal share in the victory
achieved and on decoration day the
graves of all who fell in battle or partici-
Dated in the strife for freedom are en-
bellished with the flowers of May with.
out the least discrimination.
Without intending any boastful claims
THE IRISH STANDARD can truthfully say
that OF all the men who proved their
loyalty in the fratricidal strife Of thirty !
years ago, none surpassed the men of
Ireland in bravery and patriotism for the
supremacy of the Stars and Stripes.
There is not Southern field on which |
Irishmen did not give q proof Of their |
yalor and of their love for the Union, and !
Of them died that this coun-
try might live. In every Catholic Come
terry in the land the graves OF veterans
we're decked on last Wednesday, and
nrayers were offered for the repose OF the
souls Of the departed heroes. The Cath
olic priests offoiated as we'll as the Prot
eeeetant ministers and paid tributes Of aft |
lection to the men who fought in their
cause. The Grand Army men
.:4., +h.;. f3ooe ware admitted into Cath |