The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1901-05-31
THE PASSING ARrIY.
The Irresistible Conqueror Is Thinning the Ranks
of the Veterans of the Civil War


|N--~~-rN~N~->--~-~
81 7 is now thirty-six years since the
first flowers were strewn upon the
q graves Of the men who gave their
lives that the nation might live. Observ
ed at first in small way by isolated
communities. this deeora tion OF the
grassy mounds has come to be recogniz
ed as an established custom and Memo
rial Day has long had fixed place in
the calendar. With each successive ami
versary the day has gained wider OBJ
servance aud has been made the occasion
for many appeals to the patriotism of the
people. The yerdure Of each returning
spring covers more deeply the scars of
battle which once scanned the hillsides
and valleys Of the sunny South. On this
day of precious memories it is well to re-
call the sacrifices of bygOne years, and 1t
is also fitting to express the hope that
those who are now charged with the
guidance Of our national destines will
perform their duties patrioticaly aud
we'll
When the gray-haired veterans Of the
great war for the Union meet together in
annual observance OF Memorial Day, few
will bear in mind that the day itself, as
a part Of the national life, Is the result
of the inspiration of one Of the greatest
of all the volunteer soldiers who fought
for the fag-the late Gen. John A. Logan
of Illinois Few, indeed, Of those not
associated with the organization OF old
soldiers will remember this. The soldier
statesman who won his spurs Ia actual
| fight and refused TO accept peaceful hon
ors while the war was still on--one Of
the first, If not the first, of the list of
| honored comrades who headed this or
ganization-was the originator Of the day
of sorrowful remembrance of the bravery
and virtues of those who fell in battle
or who have crossed the dark river since
the conflict ended.
The apple tree of Appomattox never
biossomed so full and so fair as to-day.
Its flowers and its fruit were never so
fine and fragrant. The Union which APP
pamattox established and cemented was
never so strong and glorious. Its sacred
bonds have been welded, not merely by
the mutual pledges of devotion, but by
the fire Of heroic service, side by side,
under the common flag, on distant soil,
and they never before bound up so much
of national pride and hope and high as
piration.
The great chieftains-Grant and Lee,
ilustrious products of the same national
school at West Point-met at Appomat-
tox with mutual respect and honor, and
In their generous and chivalrous coming
together typifed the spirit OF reunited
country. That historic hour dates a new
Union, which is now true union OF
hearts and hands that none can sever.
SO long as the flag remains unfurled
Memorial Day cannot cease to be great
and tender memory. each anniversary
becomes more pathetic from the fact
that many of the boys in blue are pass
ing away to join the vast army in the
silent land. Every year the ranks OF
the veterans on this side the river grow
thinner, and the steps of the marchers
slower. Within twenty-five years nearly
all will have Joined their regiments on
the other side. But their deeds can nev,
er die. Future generations will read
them, deep cut defying the tooth Of time
on the marble of the cOuntry's greatness
They will blaze on the pillars Of the
Union and in the springtime of each year
grateful people, bearing choicest flow
ers-natures sweetest emblem OF love
and affecton-will decorate their graves
for those grassy mounds will be known
as shrines forever more; shrines so Ions
as the republic shall endure; shrine:
where patriot knees will bend and pat
riot eyes will weep so long as freedom
has worshiper and equality of rights
levOtee.
7 - 80 M mOFp and S6pr