The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-06-21

Though these heroes are dead they speak to us In living tones of the deep patriotism which inspired their deeds of bravery and valor. Only few days ago a monument was unveiled out on Capitol Heights. Though this was gift to the city by a private enterprise, yet patriotism must have prompted the gift, for on a pedastal stands life- size bronze statue of Robert E. Lee. He stands there the embodiment of a patriot. soldier. a Christian. He was the leader in that great army of men who wore the grey and though their swords were thousands. yet for Lee their hearts beat as one.
 Now, young ladies. 1t was this same spirit of patriotism in the hearts and minds of the members of the Peter Forney Chapter that prompted them to offer to the pupils of the Montgomery School for Girls a medal for the best written essay on some colonial subject We were actuated to do so by . pro- found desire to encourage you to grasp and improve the opportunities you en- joy by being connected with your mo- ble institution, and to perpetuate through you the patriotic spirit of the men and women who achieved tnde- pendence. We wanted to impress you with the importance of knowing the prominent events in the Revolution and to arouse your interest in United States history and to stimulate you with love for your fiag-but above all, to inspire you with reverence for the principles of the founders of this re- public. wishing you to emulate in them all that Is good and lofty and pure We realized the debt of gratitude we owe to our ancestors In having made this free and prosperous land of ours possible and by exploring history we strengthen the links that bind us to the past. and the heroes and herolnes of the Revolutionary period become to us real, living men and women. As a little child I remember how 1t thrilled me to hear the oft-told tale of my an- cestor as related by my father. That Revolutionary sire was to me living, breathing hero loved to look upon his pictured face and that of the wife who sent hef husband forth to do bat tie while she remained at home looking confidently to God for help in her lone- Illness and exposure. Is 1t any wonder, then, that there Is talk about the SUI women of pioneer days? It may be true, for the woman of today has many spheres. She had but one-wife and mother. In the sphere of today there are wider horizons of educa- tion where there are practical ly no Limitations. Yet 1t might be well to study and initiate the dignity, simplicity and naturalness of their lives. and you must not forget that to the steadfast, profound and religious faith of the pioneer woman we owe as much, as to any other element that en- tered into her formation. The new woman claims advanced thought and progressive ideals, but the luxurious ease of today Is not conducive to lofty CalF God. To the pioneer women the call to country was as the voice of her God. That life of labor and simplicity fur nished men with stern appreciation of tn cir rights and with a firm reliance on God. Giants were they who be- lieved in God and the Bible. Yet they toiled, fought and planned. in field and council, to leave to posterity the heri- tage of a priceless freedom. To this great army of men there was the grandest of reserve corps-the women of Che Revolution, who held the fort ress of home. They raised the flax, Wove the cloth and cut and made the garments of those heroes who fought so nobly the battles for liberty. Per petuating the memories of the heroic past, gives courage to the present and kindles enthusiasm in the future.
 Professor Starke, before bestowing the medal I must assure you that the papers. submitted by your pupils who entered into the contest. show careful study and reflect credit and honor upon you, your teachers and your pupils. We were gratifed that so many mani tested an interest in the contest, and we sincerely regret that only one of the number can receive the medal. but the reward comes to all. As Honorary Life Regent of the Chapter, will pre- sent, with pride and pleasure. this medal, bearing the name and insignia of d patriotic society that holds in rev. erence those men who, at our nations dawn, fought the battles, and those women who sat at the spinning wheel, and whose willing hands wove the gar fents in which to clothe the new na- ton.
 In the name and in behalf of the Pe- ter Forney Chapter. I now present you, Miss Gertrude Steiner, this medal. as- surfing you that you will always have A place in our thoughts and in our hearts. We will watch with interest vour mental progress, and we will ever encourage you to act well and faith fully your part in the great drama of fife. Amelia c. Wyly.