Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1903-06-05
ALL HONORS TO OUR HEROIC DEAD.
Continued from page one. }

the drum, we close our eyes on the
present age and gently float back down
the stream OF time about half century.
1.-THE scroll is unfolded. The past
history is blotted out and we will live il
over again. From the broad basin of
the Mississippi &c the valleys of the
Appalachian, where tiourished the
southern products, scenes OF strife and
battle ensue. IT'S now that slavery has
divided the nation and perilous disputes
have arisen. Democracy has fallen and
secession follows. The civil war breaks
out on April IL, 1861. A message is re-
ceived In Congress that Fort Sumpter, a
small fort in the south, held by the
north, is to be fired on in the course Of
one short hour OF time. And according
to the word, fire 10 opened and on the
following day, the fort is surrendered
The fall OF Fort Sumpter is the resurrec-
ton Of patriotism. Such a universal
burst of patriotic Indignation at this in
suit OF the national flag, sweeps over the
north that all former party strifes are
forgotten and they become united in
though and purpose and there Is a love
Of country, which by its action, will
make US nation.
"At once there is call for troops and
the whole country Is aroused. Massa.
chusetts is the first state 60 respond and
as the tramp IF the Massachusetts, Sixth
is heard. men forget their families, their
social position, yea even their own
selves and awake 10 deeds of emulation.
From nearly every home are sons and
fathers sent forth some TO die, others
TO bring back honors from the battle
field and live to repeat their history
Proudly they marched on southern
ground bearing their banner with them
ready to fight but never TO flee. Here
we trace them to Yorktown; there to
Richmond; here mark the heroes slain
at Shiloh, the strong arms crumbling,
the swords at their sides gathering rust (;
there mark them crossing the Kappa
hammock.
"But now the happy time has come.
The Nation never conquered, is yet I'M
conquered The naughty Southern
band submits 10 the North. The bonds
of Slavery are rent in twain and Africa
is free-and now our bark, carried along
by the waves of time, floats back TO the
present age.
TWAS band Of veterans, we said,
marching along the dusty road. They
pause before country churchyard
where all is solitary, silent, solemn !;
where lord and servant, soldier and slave
alike are blended in dust together.
With a slow and steady tread, they enter
and approach two grass grown graves
lying side by side under spreading tree.
No name marks them save little flag
which alone reveals their names and
which binds their friendship, in that
they fought together to save its bright
folds from being lowered Ills thoughts
of that bitter strife, which determined
their country's future, that these aged
heroes assemble to weep for comrades
who have long since been lying under
the sod awaiting the final Judgment
morn and who having fought for their
country and their God are now claimed
in that other and better country as
soldiers, loyal and true TO Him and His
kingdom.
"Yet these veterans weep not alone
with their dead. Not only they but the
whole Nation bows down in reverence
and sympathy, TO pay their tribute 10
those heroes, some in the stalwart years
of life, others in the prime OF youth but
both alike, having joined the struggle,
/ found soldiers tomb while yet I'M.
conquered; and, as a matter Of love and
duty, have set apart as holiday from
the long year a memorial day, day on
which renowned men and leaders as well
as the surviving veterans and school
children may gather around these graves
/ telling and learning Of their lives and
decorating them with the beautiful
/ flowers as a tribute Of love for their
brave deeds. They gained what their
ambition crsved and brought freedom
TO all mankind and now peace float:
like a dove over all the land. Genera
tons have passed and gone and although
their names have been mostly forgotten
yet their lives live in the hearts of theil
countrymen and their history has beer
preserved TO remind the youths and tC
keep burning that flame Of patriotism
To revere them and TO fit themselves FOL
the responsibility of the nation in after
years.
THE hand Of time has finished tn,
great pages Of the century and the worl
OF our forefathers is accomplished
Peace to their memory. Honored be thu
graves OF the warriors and patriots
whether in the country churchyard o.
beneath the dashing sea. Calm be tn,
resting place Of the brave and the true
And as the gentle rain falls on tn
famous battle fields. may the old emni
ties and Indifferent feelings be NOR
closely washed away.
1--WE have with us only a few veter
ans remaining from that multitud
ard as each Memorial Day passes int
history, fewer becomes their numbe