West Virginia daily oil review. [volume] (Sistersville, W. Va.) 1894-1902, 1899-05-30

it was immaterial who the Memoir
al Day speakers were, that the
graves of the dead soldiers, though
invisible and silent, were most elo-
quent orators for the occasion.
The American soldier has built for
himself monument more endur-
ing and beautiful than brass or
marble, by offering his lite on the
altar of sacrifice that his country's
lite, honor, integrity and unity
might be preserved. Tho dead he
will live while memery endures.
The speaker dilated feelingly on
the associations of Memorial Day,
the gallant part played by Ameri-
can soldiery in the late war with
Spain and the horror Of the Maine
which sent so many brave souls
without warning before their Maker.
He concluded with eulogistic
words to the old veterans, who, as
he expressed it, would soon answer
the challenge of death with the
pass word of eternity. The address
was a magnificent one throughout
and kept the strict attention of the
hearers during its delivery.
MIR. Young was followed by G.
M. Mccoy, Esq, whose address Is
reproduced in full. 1t was a mas
terly effort and will stand as one of
the best ever delivered in this city
on Decoration Dav.
Ladies, gentlemen and soldiers
am reminded by the presence
of these beautiful ladies here today
that to one of them is given the
credit of originating Memorial
Day." Those who are authority in
these matters tell US that this i'm
pressive service, and the strewing
of flowers over the graves of the
departed heroes of our country,
grew out of an act of widow of al
officer, who was killed in the late
war His widow desiring to pay
tribute to the memory of her dead
hero was seen each year decorating
his grave in the spring time with
sweet flowers. This incident at
tracted the attention of those who
were similarly afflicted, and the
beauty of the deed appealing to
them, an agitation was started, and
soon the custom was matured into
an act of law, and all states we be-
lieve, now by act of legislature,
have set apart this May 80 as
l"Decoration Day."
Like good seed sown on good
ground, that impressive deed took
root In the hearts of the people, and
the flowers are now scattered with
loving hands over friend and foe.
The passion of ferceness of the
late conflict is ended, and all people
who love their country and their
God, are strewing flowers over the
graves o. not only the Union, but
Confederate soldiers.
How proud that woman must be,
if she Is yet on earth, to think that
all this great nation stands with
fearful eyes and loving hands
covering the graves of the soldiers
of 81, with love perfumed flowers as
tribute to the memory of their
righteous deeds and heroic valor.
1 have often thought what a
beautiful picture for an artist that
widow standing in her loyal love at
the tomb of her husband and hero
would make! What were her
thoughts? She saw, no doubt,
through the dim and misty halls of
memory. the old homestead, where
she was born and spent her girlhood
days, with all It's we'll remembered
features. She could see the old
meadow, where she and he
rambled In their courtship;
there was the old orchard,
where they had gathered the
blossoms and the fruit. There was
the gate, over which they had so
often lisped the words of love
in the evening in the soft
glow of the moonlight. There was
the little parlor in her minds eye,
where they had so often sat and
sang the love songs of long ago.
She also once more heard that
sweet, simple marriage ceremony
repeated again, ending in that SOL
emn pledge "Till death do us part"
She heard again the congratula-
tions, and saw the smiles of friends,
as they started out in their happi-
ness to their new home. Oh, how