The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1910-05-27
THE LITTLE BRONZE BUTTON.
From the Rutland News.

1IOIll UllG lOuClolll -NCNo'
The Bennington Banner and the
st. Adams Messenger are assuming
not a little responsibility subject to
possible unpleasant reaction, when
they speak otherwise than respect
fully of the G. A. R. associations of
any man or any men. Particularly
are they stepping upon sensitive
ground at this memorial season,
with Memorial day itself almost at
hand.
The Bennington Banner, perhaps
in some conception of moderness
that satisfies itself, makes editorial
account of a letter written by DR..
John A. Mead to some comrade Of
the G. A. R. organization, as if such
a letter was an improperly. Con-
tinuing on the same lines, the st.
Adams Messenger commends the
Banner for its utterance and further
says:
The Banner doubtless knows eX-
office holders in this state whose en-
tire stock in trade consisted Of the
little bronze button they wore on
their coat lapel.
This is remarkable language and
if it may apply to living men, whom
Vermont honored with Offices COM
parable with the governorship to
which DR.. Mead aspires, the Messen-
ger most likely will seek opportunity
to explain its reference. Under the
ban it pronounces, the little bronze
button" is being worn by living men
who may rightfully consider them
selves affronted by the remark.
Some of these men carry other
insignia of their relations to crlti-
,al hour in this country's history, |
ike empty sleeves, for instance.
If there are nearly 5000 men of
Vermont entitled to wear "the little
bronze button" it seems to us that
he number is too large to UNI
necessarily insult, as annual recogni-
ion of the great sacrifice made by
both the living and the dead returns.
week from next Monday under the
auspices of civic, moral and religious
the wearers of the
title bronze button will hold the
tage in SO out Of the 40 states of
his Union. viii the Banner and
he Messenger have the temerity to
,elittle the force of " the little bronze
on that day.
As to the meaning of "the little
,ronze button," that has recently
zen described in the following elo-
uent language, and the reader may
Judge for himself whether the COM
of which it is the emblem
J meaningful or not:
First, it represents the life of a
alton, the great republic, the Unit
a States of America. 1t Identifies
ne wearer as one of the nations
To 90 into detail, it
oints to hero, one who left home
nd home comforts, left wife and
lildren, father and mother, sister :
nd brother, all for his country, put
4 the garb of soldier, shouldered
IS gun, went to the front and offer
himself a breastwork and de
nee, barred his breast to enemy's
lllets, jeopardized his life that the
alton might live.
From it is reflected hardship,
ivation and suffering which cannot {
, told. The march by day along \
Isty or muddy roads from sunrise
sunset, following up the enemy,
FINISHING and accommodating; the
vouac by night, whether under
e pale light of the moon. with A
light stars shining down or IN the +
Irlness of storm and gloom with
in pouring upon him; whether IN
mp and all night in or on picket j
tn half night on duty; whether
front with only hard bread and
W pork with cold muddy water to
ink, or in the rear with fresh bread r
d coffee, it's the same. 1t means n
soldier in arms, ever ready to W
Int and, if needs be, to die for
untry and the flag.