Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-07-23
OUR SONS OF VETERANS
Suggestions From q LEADING Grand
Army Man.

Editors Kennebec Journal:
Thirty -four years ago the Grand
Army of the Republic was orranized
and it's membership consisting of SOL
diers and sailors. who having served IN
| the War Of the Rebellion and were
honoiably discharged from its service
united in a solemn compact to look out
for each other, and especially see to il
that sc far as possible they would
Preserve and strengthen those kind
and fraternal feelings which bind to-
gether the soldiers sailors and marires
who united to suppress the late Rebel
lion ard to perpetrate the memory and
history of the dead ITO assist such
| former comrades in arms as need helm
and protection and to extend needful
aid to the widows and orphans of those
who have fallen" These rules have
been faithfully kept during all these
years since the organization WIS
formed Until within a few years. ac-
cessions to its ranks have been su IL,
that with q few exceptions, the diff
ferent OF organizations have been kept
alive. But for the past two years there
have been but few new members mus
tered into the posts, and in conse-
quence the membership is steadily de-
Ginning year by year. 1t will not be
long time in the future when the
duties which rest upon the organiza-
ton must either fail of being done, Or
else the mantle must fall upon some
ether. Fortunately for the country
and the declining membership of the
posts, The Sons and Daughters of the
Veterans are coming to the fr Mt, AMI
this organization which began in 1868
all over our blessed country, will be
kept alive by them. This work of love
will not cease. The Sons ana Daugh-
tiers of the Veterans are coming rapidly
to the front teirg filled with The same
desire and pluck which HIS ANNA Ted
their sires 10 pernetnate the renem-
braocc of the struggle which rlade our
country glorious and undivided.
We nave ever. reas,n to believe that
many years after the Grand Army
shall have gone ir,o history, this work
of love which prompted the Veterans
10 insert into the rules which have
been faithfully kept ITO maintain true
allegiance to the United States of
America, based upon 4 paramount re-
spect for, and fidelity to its constitu
ton and laws; to diScountenance
whatever tends to weaken loyalty,
treason or rebellion or in any manner
impairs the efficiency and permanency
of our free institutions; and to en-
courage the spread of universal liberty.
equal rights and justice to all men,
will continue to be the ruling passion
of the sons and daughters, who are
soon to fill the places left vacant by
Deaths relentless sway.
The time has come when this fact
must be met and acted upon; and 1T is
the hope and desire of the remaining
members of the Posts in the United
States that the same spirit of Frater-
nifty, Loyalty and Charity will pervade
the deliberations of the transition.
which has always worked its methods
within the organization when the mat
ter is turned over to the Sons and
Daughters of the Camps who are OF
ganizing for this self same purpose all
over our country.
1t was very gratifying to the men,
bers of Seth Williams Post, that dur
ing our last Memorial day, not only did
goodly number from H. G. Staples
Camp Sons of Veterans, under the
leadership of Capt. G. c. Sheldon, turn
out to assist the Post, but also large
delegation from the Sons of Veterans
Camp in Gardiner. did valiant service
in the solemn duty of decorating the
graves of our dead comrades.
This is as it should be, and certainly
as it will be not many years hence. It
is the unanimous desire of Seth Will
liams Post to assimilate more and more
with our noble Sons of H. G. Staples
Camp. and it is hoped that before
many years have passed away, the few
survivors of the war of 81 may wit
ness a complete union between Post
and Camp.
i A better opportunity could not be
given TO strengthen the ''tie that binds
U.S. than could be enjoyed did the
many Camps of Sons of Veterans send
delegates to the seth annual encamp-
ment G. A. r. to be held in Washing
ton, d. c., Oct. ell, this fall.
They would not only behold sight
which may never present itself in
lifetime again to them, large array
of the best representation of the Grand
Army line: but an opportunity to visit
some of the most notable battletields
around the Capital city with those old
veterans, with slight expense.
What has Henry G. Staples Camp to
say about this proposition?
j. w. Z.