Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1916-06-08
MEMORY'S GREAT SERVICE

In the Memorial sermon at the M. E.
church, Sunday, May %, Rev. G. W.
Emery strongly emphasized the thought
of memory's great service in the pres
ervation of sacred things The follow
ing is brief synopsis:
Exodus 1874. ''And this DAY shall be unto you
for memorial
The following is short synopsis of the SER
mon: Why was it that the Jews were COM
manded to keep a memorial of the Passover
each year, forever? This memorial was insti-
tuted in order that in future generations they
might reflect upon the foundations of their ma
tional life to prize the blessings of liberty, to
love and revere their God.
1t is easy to forget. The things that greatly
impress us today begin to fade tomorrow. The
greatest joys and sorrows, the fiercest struggles
the most notable achievements and Victories
the most heroic sacrifices the most momentous
events, the noblest deeds, the greatest lives are
soon forgotten unless some special effort is
made to preserve them.
We need to carry along with today the good
of all the yesterdays.
1t is most interesting to consider the ways
that have been conceived for keeping in mind
the distinguished people and events of the past
Monuments there are from the heap of stones
on the bank Of the Jordon river to the great
marble shaft to the memory of Washington in
the city which bears his name. Pyramids and
ogelisks tell the story of the Egypt, that for
thousands of years had been forgotten by man.
Great buildings and triumphal arches repeat
the tales of the glory that was in days long
since gone. Writing upon clay. stone, metal,
parchment and paper record the distinguished
events Of the ancient and modern world
Statues and pictures make real and vivid the
persons and scenes of other days. Then there
are days set apart for commemorative pur
poses-days which mark present appreciation of
great events and noble deeds of the past.
In harmony with all these commemorative
agencies, are today definitely interested in
a solemn service of memory. The significance
of it differs from the meaning of that memorial
day which is mentioned in the text; but it is
none the less sacred, it is the less holy. 1t
is the time when we gather about us the mem
DRY of our departed heroes and their valorous
deeds; it is the time when we call the roll of
gallantry and patriotism from our nations
Book of Fame; it is the time when we count
NooI
greatness in the coin of blood and suffering and
hardship; it is the time when the old comrades
of the red, white and blue mourn the loss of
those who have fallen out Of the ranks: it is the
time when we increase our love for the noble
remains OF that once grand army, which on a
hundred battle fields endured all the horrors Of
war and saved this Union; it is the time when
we think of the unfettered slave; it is the time
when we carry our garlands of flowers and with
| reverent hands, lay them on the graves of our
soldier dead and receive ourselves reconse-
Grafton to the work which belongs to the citizen
and the patriot; and above all, it is the time
when we recognize and publicly acknowledge
the hand of Almighty God in the affairs of our
nation. Whatever history may say in regard to
the matter. l shall always believe that our
Memorial Day was idea divinely inspired
that it is a part of Gods plan, that memory
should thus serve in preserving the good and
sacred things of our history.
So long as we fifty remember this holy herr
tage, the safety of our country is assured.
'Great God of hosts, be with us vet.
Lest we forget, lest we forget