Norwich bulletin., 1913-05-31
MEMORIAL DAY oRATIoN.
Eloquent Words of Rev. George H Strouse Heard With Deep Apprecia tion by the Veterans.

The Memorial day oration at the 1 Chelsea parade was given as follows l by Rev. George H, Strouse and was 1 listened to with deep appreciation by 1 the G. A. R. men and the big crowd 1 within the sound of his voice: 1 MT. Chairman, Ladies and Gentle men: I am not slow to appreciate the honor you have conferred on me today l for I had been in Norwich scarcely a week when invited to make the ad dress on this occasion. I thank you for this honor and assure you my pres ence here at this time is an expression of my intense interest in this day which means so much to you
 And then Pm inspired as l stand here because this state played her part so well in that sore conflict. May l mention two of your heroes General Nathaniel Lyon-a graduate of West Point who fell in a glorious charge while leading his forces to victory at the battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri, August 9th. 1881, and who was one of the noblest patriots who ever died for his country. Also Rear Admiral Andrew Hull Foote, who in February 1862, compelled the surrender of Fort Henry on the Tennessee river. Later he was wounded at the capture of Fort DoneIson but was active as a na- val officer until the time of his death. And so this day has been most fitting ly set apart to honor those who fought and bled and died that the Land of the free and the home of the brave" might remain intace.
 Valor Never to be Forgotten. And I turn to you, men in blue, and tell you the nation owes you a debt of gratitude which it will never be able to pay. And as this day rolls around year by year, we love to think of you; we delight to do you honor. l
 large statue of Havelock who play
 ed such glorious part in the rescue of the English garrison at Lackmour
 during the Sepoy rebellion in 1857. An appreciatiVe nation has inscribed on that monument something like this Your valor and your noble deeds will
 never be forgotten by a grateful peo- pie" And l turn to you and say that Memorial day observed annually and almost universally in our land is suf = hcient guarantee that your valor and your noble deeds will never be for gotten by a grateful nation.
 In ancient times it was customary
 fer nations to deify their heroes and
 worship at their shreins. With the advance of Christian civilization this idolation practice has happily passed
 away. But it is fitting at this time to
 trace the Divine hand which has been so conspicuous in our history to re-
 
 many fought and died. And while
 we thus review there comes to us a
 mighty incentive to follow on in the
 path of duty-self sacriace and pa triotism.
 1he Hand of God.
 Tn February, 1861, on the eve of MT. Lincolns departure for Washington, to take the office of President, there was given to him flag of our country
 bearing upon it's silken folds these words from the first chapter of Joshua
 fifth and ninth verses: "There shall no man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid. neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." And my friends, doubt if there was a single hour in
 MT. Lincoln's life from the time that