The times., 1899-05-29

In HONOR OF Those
WHO Died In BATTLE
Memorial Services Held in
Many Churches.
A Tribute TO the Heroes Who Fell
in the Countiy's Cause.
Commemoration of Century of
Pat ri
Comm oration of Century of
American Patriotism-SiGnif-
cance OF the Day.

In memory of the men who have given
dp their lives for their country, in memory
of a glorious band which fell that the
Stars in their happy flag might remain un-
dimmed; in commemoration of a century of
American patriotism, memorial services
were held yesterday in many of the
churches in the District, and in thousands
of homes which were sans loved ones be-
cause these had been called upon by Lib
erty when her crown was endangered and
had never returned.
1t is beautiful observance, Memorial
Day, and it viii continue so long as Amer
lea is America. Not one other nation in
all the civilized world has such an osca-
sion, devoted 10 the revering and the laud
ing Of q citizen soldiery who died for their
great mother. This mother faileth not 10
mourn these sons and to perpetuate their
memory, and one of these kindly remem
brances was the exercises held yesterday.
For years the services had been granted
almost wholly to the lost Of the Civil War,
but the events OF year had so changed
history that a new and younger genera
tion were revered and mourned in this
last observance. Thousands Of names had
been added to the great roll call, and the
Camp Of Eternal Taps has received
gallant corps. For these there were no
homecoming plaudits. No worshipipg
crowds cheered them as they marched the
march Of victory after the enemy had been
overcome. No kindly words nor crown
ing laurels were their lot il doing the task
and they never returned TO see how Ameri-
ca thanks her gallant sons.
So has it been brought about that these
are lauded even after death Ortaors pay
inc " Frffk to fhaf- dc nd hTN-s s,a1
assemblages drink in the fulness Of it ali
revere those who are beyond applause and
cheer. They died for the nation. and the
nation claims them as her dead. They
may have passed too soon TO know in
what glorious achievements they passed
away, but many of them are wrapped in
bright, spotless American flags, and above
their graves droop star-iit ensigns, with
out one stain or blemish.
There are hundreds OF unknown dead
whose names may never be FURNISHED in
lasting bronze, but who are thanked in
silent prayer. They, too, will live in the
glory OF having done and not one is forgot
ten, though be be ever so unknown in
name.
The Sunday before Decoration Day has
been set aside for all time as a day sacred
TO the soldier dead, and each recurring
observance is even more general and more
beautiful.
Tomorrow the dead heroes will be honored
in both word and deed, and the annual
tribute of nation to its dead will take
place. Each little mound will be care
fully remembered with flag and floral trib-
ute and none will go without some decora-
tion. II is happy to think that the rest of
the dead will be the sweeter because of
this kindly touch from those whom they
defended with their lives, but it is an in
spiration 10 every American TO know that
should he give up all for his country he,
too, would be lauded and honored and re-
membered.