The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-28
Local G. A. R. Posts Pay Honor
to the Nations Dead Heroes.
SERMON BY REV. A. 3. CHAPLIN.
an Eloquent Tribute to Men Who
Fought and Died for Their Coun-
try's Flag In the War of the Re-
Sunday Before Decoration Day.

Memorial Sunday services were held by
the local G. A. r. posts yesterday after
noon in Plymouth Congregational church.
A large audience was present. including
war veterans both of the North and
South. The memorial sermon was deliv-
cred by the Rev. A. b. Chaplin, pastor
of Trinity Methodist church.
The members OF the Seattle posts OF the
@. A. Il. were grouped in front of the pull
pit in a semi-circle with the women of the
Relief corps on their right. The latter
carried flags. The church was Hastily dec
GRATED for the occasion. An arch over
head composed of the flags of all nations
had striking effect II was surmounted
by the Stars and Stripes, which were
predominant in the scheme of decoration
The services opened with selection by
Plymouth choir, followed by readings
from the Bible by Mr.. Chaplin. DIR. Par
sons then offered up an appropriate
prayer. after which Mrs. w. II. whittle-
sey sang THE Vacant Chair"
The sermon followed. Mr.. Chapin's
text was st. John. 1913, Greater love
hath no man than this, that man lay
down his life for his friends" He said
In substance:
our history as a nation never to be for
gotten, a purpose born OF God, to see its
contamination in the freedom of all.
For. when freedom from her mountain
Unfuried her standard to the air,
She tore the azure robe of night.
And set the stars of glory there.
"Washington's monuments speak to
us of a nations father. Liberty. with
fiame-encrcled brow OF freedom. and
with uplifted hand would point us to the
sovereign to whom all nations should
look.
Another memorial IL that accorded the
soldiers OF the greatest nation ever called
into being. Great because of area and
numerical because
achievements; but greater still because OF
principles which form the ground work
OF her activities; which underlies her ev-
cry purpose and which. If properly APP
pretended, must inspire every impulse of
heart and aspiration of soul. with deeper
regard for home and country. More than
the third Of century has passed since
the roar of canon and the rattle of mus
kerry We're heard at Gettysburg, Wilder
ness. Shilo and Mission Ridge. The smoke
of battle has lifted from the field of death.
The groans of wounded and dying are
heard no more, We live midst happier
scenes.
1.-The sorrow expressed In these me-
mortal services all over this land Is not
yours only. but ours.
las people we drank the blessing OF
peace from the same chalice so in this
sorrow. we share a mutual woe. and for
each other drop sympathizing tear. The
blow by which so many noble men fell
was not aimed so much at the individual,
as the nation. But our cause was not
stricken. but strengthened by their fall.
but intensifies our love for liberty thus
purchased
"The issues eliminating in the rebellion
were greater than at any preceding time.
We were not moved to action by mer-
cenary motives, we were not like wolves
whose appetites are sharpened by the
scent of blood. Not for expansion OF our
borders. nor yet extension of party lines.
but by principlesso of right, believing lib-
erty and the pursuit OF happiness the
heritage of all men. we struck for lib
erty, home and country
And our memorial service honors the
soldier in true sense only when 1t pays
respect to the principle for which he gave
his life: and educates to a true loyal
patriotism,
mot to be forgotten in this service are
the mothers and wives who with true
heroism gave husbands and sons to bat
tie; and In their sphere were valiant and
true"
After Mr.. Chapn's sermon the choir
sang Rest, Soldiers Rest" and the serv-
ices closed.