Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-04-03
(By w. II. Brady.D
Salute the Flag.

During a stay of two years at the
Mountain branch by your correspond
ont. the one prominent feature, ana
one, too, that gave great JOY 10 all
the members, was the semi-montnely
salute TO the flag. For this occasion
the entire membership of duty men
were paraded. II is no unmeaning
ceremony, but an outward and WISH
bic sign of the love of its defenders.
Another pretty feature at this branch
is. when the flag is lowered at sun
down each day the band assemblies at
the staff. and while Old Glory gently
gldes to terra firma the national en-
them is played. One Sunday evening
] observed a group of young men seat
ed directly in front of the fagstan,
and although. every soldier present
and many citizens from the surround
ing country uncovered as the band
rendered the Star Spangled Banner,
the young fellows failed TO pay the
respect due the flag and kept their
hats on. / wondered If tn parents
and teachers OF these youngsters even
ATTEMPTED to inculcate lessons OF pa
triotism in their children, or If the
flag which symbolizes all that We take
pride in, in our country and It's IN
situations, meant nothing TO them. ii
Wonld be absurd to attribute this APP
parent lack of respect to sectional or
political feeling.
Partizanship has no place in thel
presence of the flag of our common
country. and ! am generous enough
to feel sure that if occasion demand
ed the youth of this country would
hasten to it's side as quickly as their
fathers did in ali the was waged for
its preservation and honor, but there
seems to be a feeling of false shame
which prevents them from showing |
Ay open manifestation OF loyalty, al
dread in some sections common toi
young men. This feeling, however
would soon disappear if their elders
would but show them better ex-
ample in this particular. Du ing the
years 1S74-75, | spent some months
abroad. and on the evening OF July
4. | attended a performance at the
"Theater Royal" in Dublin, ireland
Between the acts, and in honor of the
day. the orchestra played The star
Spangled Banner" In a moment men, |
women and children were on their
feet. and when Old Glory appeared on
the stage. carried by a beautiful Irish
girl, a mighty cheer went up IN i's
honor. These people evidently Kne"
what that flag meant to them ana tol
other orphans of the earth, and were
not slow in expressing their pleasure.
Ii is a well-known fact that in every
civilized country, when the national
anthem is played, any gathering OF
the people rise, and he would be /
thought an ill-bred boor who refused
to pay this tribute of respect TO the
country of their adoption or birth.
This rule should hold good in the
United States, and does when the au-
dience is composed of cultivated, ma
tives or foreigners.
To be ashamed to salute the nag
of ones country or to recognize It's
national song argues a want OF gooo
breeding as we'll as good citizenship
During the summer many nundreos
will visit this beautiful reservation
and will be cordially welcomed, as
ever. therefore may We not indulge
the hope that they will join with us
in paying respect to that flag which
renders possible the existence OF the
National Home for Disabled Voiun-
feer soldiers, and protects in their
peaceful enjoyment of those more for