Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1900-07-13
PATRIOTIC ADDRESS.

us stand back of our congressman,
whether he be Republican or Demo-
crat. Let us show to the world that
upon the question of erecting monu-
ments to patriotism we can present a
solid front!
In occupying our minds with thoughts
of a soldiers monument and of Fort
Meigs, | believe we are in a way violat-
ing the spirit of Independence Day.
Our best citizenship Is not that which
finds in the brilliant record of the past
the material for empty Wanting and
vain conceits. The true citizen Is he,
who. filled indeed with a just pride in
our history is ever on the alert to apply
past experience to present needs and
open up new avenues of progress. To
him the celebration of this day is an
instrument of progress. 1t is the day
when those influences should be con-
sidered which will stimulate a better,
a more patriotic, nobler citizenship.
But the lesson of public spirit (Which
we might call public mindedness) Is not
exclusively for maturity. Nay, 1T Is
far more the lesson for the infant
mind. 1t is not enough that the youth
may gain a complete story of his coun-
try and her great men from books:
no, no, Tc CuilllOt SdlHel a tiut
ism from the mere reading of clear.
cold print! Patriotism is not science,
1t is feeling; a feeling which If not
fostered in infancy may never be fos-
tered.
power to make many times stronger
those influences which are already at
work in shaping the lives of our
Ct N
huences 1 have suggested; the proper
federal recognition OF Fort Meigs; the
erection of a soldiers monument. and
a renewed and even stronger celebra-
tion of the 4th of July.
I cannot overestimate the influence
which can be created by Fort Meigs.
If we could go there and see those
undistinguished hillocks given that ma
tional dignity so long withheld from
them; If we could see the dead walnut
tree guarding the lonely resting place
of 45 heroes of 1913 replaced by tall
shafts OF granite; If we could see the
old fort rebuilt and reoccupied and hear
the cannon from the sunrise and the
history of those memorable
two thrilling sieges would read with
new meaning and a soldiers life and
martyrs death would have far deep
er significance than IL ever had before.
No. no, the people of the Maumee val
ley will never be silenced while soil
made sacred by the life's blood of
the American soldier in the defense
of his country remains thus unmarked
and abandoned.
A second great influence which we
have withi's our power to develop is
that associated with our proposed SOL
diers monument. / dare say ii is an
influence even stronger than the one
just mentioned. To read the stirring
events of the civil war and thus to be
able to see men who were actually en-
gagged in that war is, l know, an elevat-
ing influence. But these great actors
cannot always remain among us.
Many have already departed. The rest
must sometime bid us lasting fare
well. When they are gone, all we shall
have left is their memories But mere
memory is not enough to teach the
youth and coming generations the les
son of these veterans lives.
/ repeat that mere books are not al
ways sufficient to arouse the spirit of
patriotism in the infant heart. The
youth must not only read that the
defenders of the Union We're honored;
he must see that they We're honored;
he must be reared under the shadow of
a monument which bespeaks honor and
which stimulates emulation to a de-
parted hero.
Let the teachers of our public schools
open up the records and tell the youth:
Here is the story of Murfreesboro, Of
of Chickamauga, of Gettys-
burg; over there is monument erect
ed to the memory of the brave men
who enlisted from this community in
the service of their country. Here is
what they did; there is the symbol of
of gratitude, of honor for
what they did.
Then let the spirit of progress move
on: let the monuments tower; let the
bug;ie sound the reveillee once more
on old Fort Meigs! Let each anniver
sary bring forth some new event, some
fresh impulse. some high inspiration to
share the duties of national life. Let
the children gather on Independence
Day around objects erected for their
country's glory; let the air
ring with their patriotic shouts;
let them be taught that every
soldier under that flag is hero wheth-
er he carry the musket or wear the
sword. Let Old Glory shine forth with
a new lustre which brightens rather
than grows dull with the flight of time.
Let the eagle carry the message of
liberty to the uttermost parts of the
globe; let Columbia with her sceptre
pointed homeward guide her republic
in the path of right-wherever that
path may lead. Let nationalism, Amer
icanism be the guiding spirit of the
hour-let 1t be fostered in the minds
of infancy-let it dominate the judg-
ment of maturity.
And finally. let us here, in the great
west, in the bosom of our historic val
ley. plant for ourselves and for the
youth of generations yet unborn, new
Cradle of Liberty