Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-06-22
SURVIVORS HOLD MEMORIAL
DISTRICT CIVIL WAR VETERANS
ATTEND CHURCH.
Sermon on 'tPatriotism" by Rev. DR..
r. L. Wright-Ron Call Of
Dead Comrades.

Fifty survivors Of the District of Co
lumbia Volunteers who defended the
Union in the civil war gathered at the
Mckendree M. E. Church. Massachusetts
avenue near 9th street. last night, fol
their annual church services.
AS the organ pealed forth Onward
Christian Soldiers" the gray haired vete-
rams slowly took their places in the from,
part of the church. Preliminary devo.
tional services followed
w. HI. Braund. president of the Sur.
vivors' Association of the District of CO.
lumbia Volunteers, made an address. ex-
planning that the service was largely a
memorial to those comrades who have
answered the last roll call.
]. D. Ford next read the names OF
members of the association mustered on,
of the ranks in the past year.
Sermon on Patriotism.
Rev. DR.. r. L. Wright, pastor of the
church. delivered an address to the vete-
rams on Patriotism" He welcomed the
defenders of the Union. and pointed out
that their presence showed, while their
comrades had passed from earth. these
comrades had not passed from their
hearts.
Duil anu lNSeHSIDic IN Ulo extreme. he
declared, us the heart that does not thrill
with true patriotism as we contemplate
our national greatness and Gods provi-
dental leadership over us. We believe
our American people need but little ex-
hortation along this line.
1T seems to be innate in the heart OF
every son of American soil. I know OF
no country that excels ours in true de-
votion to national institutions. There
seems to be something in the vast extent
~
her atmosphere that fills each breast
with the breath of patriotism.
Perhaps we are safe in saying that out
side of the religion of Christ, patriotism
Is the strongest impulse that ever takes
possession of the human heart. Patriot
ism and the love of country are closely
related to religion. The man who truly
loves his country will have some just
appreciation Of God as the Supreme Ruler
and head of the nation.
Patriotism VS.. Politics.
"a man is not patriot simply because
he gets drunk on election day, and hur-
rahs for his political party or candidate.
He no doubt feels patriotic, but feelings
are sometimes deceptive.
Some men are filled with the excite
ment of a political parade or campaign.
and they march and hurrah to the swell
of martial music and think their souls are
bility is they have mistaken politics for
patriotism. and all politics is not patriotic
True patriotism forgets self, forgets
party. forgets honor. forgets spoils. 1t
lays all these a sacrifice upon the altar
of the country.
THAT kind Of politics which is simply
a scramble for Office and spoils. which
reaches the goal of selfish ambition by
wading neck deep in the mire of political
dishonesty, is not patriotism. although the
populace shouts itself hoarse over the vic
tories.
1.-The patriotism held by you men here
tonight was patriotism that pressed you
to the point of seif-forgetfulness and self
sacrifice until you were able to confront
with faces unpaled the belching fire of
artillery and the blaze of musketry. That
was a religious patriotism that made you
fear to disregard Gods truth. or rebel
against His leadership. The result was
victory perched upon your banners.
$50 it was with Washington and his
band of heroes who conquered the COM
bined forces of Great Britain. The tramp
of steady columns. as from time to time
our armies have gone forth to battle, has
been but the heavy footballs of Jehovah
marching on to the fulfillment of His eter-
nal purposes with us among the ma
TONS