The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1895-05-31


American soldier. we should be thus en-
gagged.
Not that this day was designed with the
idea that the decoration of those graves
with flowers would be essential-that the
leaves of memory's garland might be
kept green; not with the idea that to keep
the greatness of their names, the great
ness OF their deeds fresh in the minds of
the American people such ceremonies as
these would be necessary; not with the
intention of honoring them, but rather to
honor ourselves.
Their names, their memories, will sur
ylve the mountain stones; the history of
their achievements will flow dewn
through the ages with the rivers; the mon
uments they themselves have built will
stand for generations yet to follow.
From yonder mound, with its wealth
of beauteous offerings, to that forsaken,
forgotten spot away off in some lone
battle field. where nothing, save some
little, tender, dropping wild-fower, bends
its head, the graves of the American sol
diers are alike when it comes to sharing
in the honor and credit we are giving on
this day throughout the land.
No, indeed, none will be forgotten;
there is no grave so remote, there is no
grave SO lonely, but that has its monu-
ment; it's not polished shaft nor tluted
column, but something more endearing
than these. 1t is enthroned in the Ma
tion's heart, heritage of which the
American people boast; and as long as
the spirit of the father animates the son;
as long as the daughter shall inherit the
beauty, devotion and loyalty of the
mother; as long as this Nation shall en-
dure, so will each generation In turn
maintain the iilustrlouS renoWn OF those
whose patriotism aud self-sacritice we
should emulate, whose examples we
should endeavor TO follow.
All countries have bestowed tokens of
esteem and gratitude upon the living.
Ours is the only one that, in obedience to
a national sentiment, have set apart day
TO bestow tokens of esteem and gratitude
upon the graves of the dead.
Other countries have crowned the
brows of their Generals with garlands of
oak, myrtle and the bay; others have
adorned the breasts of their leaders with
golden emblems and royal insignia of
honor; we bestow upon the graves OF the
rank and file the same flowers that fall to
their commanders. ON American soil
that six feet of earth mas made them all
of one size. They share and share alike
in the glory of their renoWn without APP
pOrtlonment.
On this day we have no particular vic
tories of which we would boast-nO bat
ties which we would fight again; all
we ask Is that the people of this nation
may gaze upon the graves of our beloved
patriots, and reflect upon the cost OF so
glorious q country as ours, and from this
awful lesson taught feel the necessity OF
keeping it pure and forever united.
These are the purposes designed to be
subserved on Memorial Day.
The usual history of war presents the
closing scenes as a final evacuation by
one side or the other of the territory upon
NI.ah hn hr,f i,
those who stood face to face in time of
war now stand side by side in time of
peace, contributing alike to the sacred
memory of their heroic dead, and on this
occasion. at this time-on Memorial Day
when the tender cords of national I'M
pulse are touched and their vibrations re-
spond il feeling of common sorrow,
| when you stand by your mound and /
stand by mine, 1t matters not which one
may have merited censure, our tears
mingle, our shoulders touch, our hands
clasp, and in the congruity OF our grief
we forget our separate causes and remen-
Der but one thing-they were American
soldiers who fought, died and now lie
buried beneath American soil, and as
such we do them honor.
CONCLUDING EXERCISES.
The band played number of national
airs, after which Mrs. Il. Dohrman gave
an 6XceIleDt T0HUlllOu OF oHeiludu'
Ride" The chorus Of 100 children from
the Sacramento Grammar School then
sang America" after which the audience
joined in singing Rally Round the
Flag" concluding the exercises.
The employees of the cemetery say that
in their judgment from 5000 to 10000 peo-
pie visited the cemetery during the day.
and il was estimated that from 5000 to
5000 listened to the exercises. Commit
tees went out to the other cemeteries also
and decorated the graves in them.
One piece of carelessness should be
noted. After the memorial services were
concluded q firing party detailed from
one of The companies fired a salute. They
stood couple of PAGES in the rear of the
line of veterans. When the salute was
ordered. one of the firing party raised his
piece five or six inches higher than the
head OF the veteran in front Of him and
fired. AS the gun was only about two
feet from the veterans head, and that
part of his Uranium was very sparsely
settled with hair, the discharge must
have made it very warm for him. The
second shot was aimed little higher,
but still SO close that both he and the
veteran standing behind him turned
around and requested the soldier to hold
his piece higher.