Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1903-06-04
A GRATEFUL NATION
Paws Tribute To Its Honoreu
Dead.
MEMORIAL SERVICES IN THE CITY
Veterans of Civil War Loyal to
Departed Comrades.
Large Turn out at Opera House
Rev. Ill. y. spears Fine
Address.

All over the nation and in many is
lands of the sea grateful people
paved homage to the soldier dead last
Saturday, The custom of decorating |
the graves of defenders of the coun-
try, inaugurated at the close OF the
Civil War, on May 30th has become
sacred one and citizens generally OBJ
serve the day and the last resting
place of many in the cemeteries are
made beautiful with plant and shrub
and flowers.
The day was appropriately obsery-
ed in this city, flags loated and busi-
ness houses were generally closed
The G, A. r. and w. r. c. marched
to the music of the city band in
charge of Commander Jas II. Keen
ey. TO the opera house where a large
body of citizens had gathered.
The stage had been appropriately
decorated and the Baptist choir fur
nished music, rendering those soul
stirring songs, "Tenting on the Old
Camp Ground, 1.-THE Battle Hymn of
Freedom" America" and several
others.
A fervent prayer was offered by
Rev A. o. Carman, Comrade Frank
r. Chase read Lincoln's memorable
address at the dedication of the bat
tlefield of Gettysburg and after the
excellent address of Rev H. n Spear
Capt. Underwood dismissed with the
benediction. The Post and w. Il G..
then repaired to the bridge where
short service in honor of the dead
naval heroes was had, flowers being
scattered on the waters in their mem
ory, and from there visited the Gem
eteries. A picnic dinner awaited them
at the Post hall.
Rev. Spears Address.
The address of Rev. Spear was an
excellent one and many compliments
were heard regarding it. In part he
said:
I'm this age of progress, the most
extraordinary achievements soon
come to be regarded "a common place
The wonderful inventions of last cen
turv were beyond the fondest dream
of the most prophetic OF one hundred
wears ago, and yet these same won
derful inventions are taken today pI
our children merely as matter o
course. They come TO think OF then
as the common heritage OF all ages
AS we use the telegraph and ride Oh
the electric car, we little think OF Tn
wears of labor and sacr flee that the
have cost some. And so as we EMO.
the blessings and privileges OF Amer
lean Citizenship. we are in danger o
Forgetting the cost of our enjoyment
We hardly realize that every blessln
and privilege worth the having. ha
been procured al the cost OF sdcrlhc'
yea of human blood. Others have !;
bored, sacrificed and died that
might occupy the position we do u
day
1t is therefore fitting that this nj
tion should dedicate certain nations
holidays to the commemordtlon OF M
heroic patriots. We thus observe u
22nd of Feb, and the 4th OF july
honor of our Revo utionary Foret
theirs Today we are assembled
nav tribute to the heroes who deten
4
rity. In saCredly observing this de
we look to the past, present and l
ture. We commemorate the dead, hon
the living and seek TO inspire in II
Young an appreciation worthy OF the
inheritance.
In the peace and prosperity OF o
day it is impossible for US to fuI
realize the conditions that made |
Civil War necessary The vetera
of that war continue to dwell up
those terrible times, not because tn
love war and Its horrors, but becdu
of the results that were possible OF
through the sacrifice and blood
war. Never did mortal man Ia
greater difficulties and greater
sponsibilities than did the tmmor1
Lincoln when he took his solemn GA
to uphold the Constitution as en-
executive. From his election in
vember till inauguration in Mar,
he was compelled to remain inacti
and silent while the L ). treasl
was being plundered, while the 10
and arsenals of the south we're bel
seized, while a rebel government
being established and while the ci
and military forces of the nation W.
being honey-combed with traitor,
conspiricies. And yet in the face
all this, repeated Efforts were
made to restore peace, and Line
declared in his Inaugural address 7,
II war should come the responsibil
must rest on those in rebellion to
constitution of the United sta,
And ii was only after actual host
ties had begun in the capture OF Z
Sumpter, that volunteers were ca
for and an army put in the field.
ly one of two things remained to
done, either TO peacefully allow
rending the Union or TO suppress
rebellian by arms. There was