The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1907-05-23

Wilhelmina Treff, the newly-elected
President of the Department of Mary
land, says of the day:
The frail bridge of time on which we
tread sinks back into eternity at every
step we take. The mile stones along
the way tell us we have again reached
the vast cathedral of affection in which
the bells of memory chant funeral
dirge for the Nations defenders. VIII
the notes given to the world of song be
forever lost? I wonder. Every tone,
whether of joy or sadness, has its own
vibrations, and those waves never die.
Let them, then, roll on and on, thru
unnumbered ages. reaching ever farther
and higher up into the limitleSS space;
up, up, to thes gates of heaven, where
they enter and Join the grand chorus
of perfect harmony in great, glad
Amen
While these tones of remembrance
resound turnout the earth, let the Wo-
mans Relief Corps mingle their cheers
for the living Patriots and tears for the
dead heroes, and in their memory weave
garlands of roses and canopies of flow
ers. While We join with willing hands
and loving hearts in this festival of the
dead; while We drop rose and
tear over the dust of those who have
gone where there is no war, let us not
forget the living left for us to comfort
them. flowers at morn, at night, flowers
strewn upon the path, at the roadside.
roses for a couch, forget-me-nots all
along the journey. Bring flowers while
their perfume and giaddening beauty
can awaken the heart, brighten the eye
and fill the soul with joy. Scatter flow
ers all along the way thru life, and at
death, whether there be flowers or
faded stalks of grain, the loves that
were garnered in life will beautify and
| gladden. the end with halo of remem-
brance nothing can pale. Make this
day holy day, to commemorate the
deeds of heroes. On every soldiers
grave I'd love to lay lily.
The Sunday preceding Memorial Day
let every Corps member gather around
the altar in loving remembrance of our
| departed heroes and that the living
comrades may see that they will never
be forgotten.
| Elma b. Dalton, National President
of the Ladies of the Grand Army of the
Republic. from her National Headquar-
tiers atSWinfield, Kan, has sent out the
following Memorial Order:
1t is fitting and proper that the peo-
pie of this great Nation should set apart
at least one day in the year, to meet
and pay homage to that Silent Army of
the Nations defenders, which has past
over to the unknown shores; to which
1
| by that irrevocabIe' law-Death.
1t is also BETTING and proper to con-
slider the cost in patriotic sacrifices and
sufferings; in anguish, heartaches and
bitter tears; in lasting sorrows and af-
| flictions, made in that great struggle
for human liberty and equal rights for
lall men in perpetuating this, the most
wonderful Nation on the face of the
EARTH and in maintaining aloft its Flag
! unsullied. with not a star erased, nor
| the brillancy of one dimmed.
Likewise it is not inappropriate at
such times to impress upon the present
generation some of the achievements of
| Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan and others,
of the hardships endured, the dangers
and perls of battle braved, and the I'M
daunted courage required in the face
of almost certain death; in compelling
, the rebellious armies to stack their arms
and acknowledge the supremacy and
sovereign power of the Nation, as well
as the Tecounting of the wonderful
story of a united. free, loyal, patriotic
people, vieing with each other in their
devotion to the principles of this great
| Government.
| Therefore, in order to assist in per-
petuating and keeping forever sacred
/ Memorial Day, l would urge all Circles
of the Ladies Of the Grand Army of the
practicable the Memorial services which
may be held on Sunday. May 26, and
also attend the Memorial exercises of
May 80, and in every way possible as
sist the Grand Army of the Republic
and the remaining veterans to contrib
ute to the honor, glory and imperish-
able fame of tina t. silent army of the
Nations hero dead. Beautiful, indeed,
is the tribute offered at the grave. of a
fallen hero, but sweeter far the chaplet
could it have been worn upon the hero's
brow.
Let us not forget the veterans yet
remaining with us, but let each MEM
Der strive to brighten their lives by the
contribution of sweet flower, cheer
| ing word, or a kindly act would
urge that the long since established
custom of the Circles visiting the
schools on the last school day
preceding Memorial Day be not
neglected. the members wearing the
badge, and be prepared to talk of the
sacrifices that have caused the estab-
| fishing of this, to the Ladies of the
Grand Army of the Republic, the wives,
mothers, sisters and daughters of our
Nations heroes, one of the hottest, while
yet the saddest day of the year.
The order is countersigned by Julia
NJ. Gordon, National Secretary.