St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1917-05-30

reasons for the celebration. SO 4:
their children must have often asked
the question, What Mean Ye BY This
Service?" so we today and our chill
dren will be asking the same ones
ton as to the significance of Pre-
memorial Day. So in answer to this
question we would reply: First. We
meet to commemorate the bravery OF
tho men who died for their country.
whether in battle on land or on sea,
whether in hospitals following lthe
war, or whether they came home ta
live shattered lives and were finally
laid to rest among their loved ones
some country grave yard. This ack'
nowledgement would also be alway.
to that vast number of dead who to-
day rest in many graves with only tht
words ITO the Unknown Dead" above
them, watched over by no friends b'
the sun by day and the stars by night
Our second reason for observing
this day is to eXemplify the spirit OF
forgiveness. None can tell why it
was that Fate put some to fight UNI
der the Stars and Bars and others
under the Stars and Stripes. but to-
day we know that those who died on
either side are united above leaving
us to live up to that spirit Of forgive
ness best express by Abraham Lincoln.
With charity toward all, with malice
towards none"
We would also commemorate on
living heroes and show to them the
appreciation due them and which they
are able to enjoy Our cOuntry's s
wealth is great because of the lives
that were offered for the perpetuatiOn
of our liberty. Should we hesitate to
use that money for the Liberty Loan
need of today? Today our flag floats
aloft because of the loyalty and devo-
ton and sacrifice of the members of
the Grand Army of the Republic. Be
fore the Civil War we were country
split into sections of different opinions.
Today we stand united before th'
world thanks to the men who bought
that liberty nth their lives.
We have also the duty of setting
before our young men and women the
highest ideals of patriotism. Old DR..
Johnson has said Patriotism is the
last refuge of a scoundrel." but we
know of no such patriotism today.
There is a patriotism that dies for its
are ding in ordinary ways today while
others are serving with the Red Gross
or doing medical work.
Our greatest reason for recognizing
this day is to acknowledge our bic
independence on Almighty God, and
our thanks for all He has done for ur
led the men who framed the Consti-
tuition; God guided Abraham Lincoln
God led Columbus to our shores. God
and is today guiding Woodrow Wilson.
Before the battle Of Gettysburg Cen
eral Lee prayed "Oh God, this is your
war; oh God, this is your country!
Thou knOwest that we cannot stand
another fredericksburg or another
charlottesville" SO for three days
the decision hung in the balance un-
til finally the war was settled, thu
fate of the negro was decided, aan(
our country was reunited. Other
leaders, other plans. other times mighl
have made the final result of the Civi
War different, so many people believe
| but we today know that Gods hanf
alone could have been the guide tina
| determined the result. Spiritual for
ces are constantly driving us today 81
| they have driven the world for age:
past. So We cannot fail to acknow
| ledge to God our thanks for His hell
| in times past and in the present.
| Members of the Grand Army of tn
Republic, you who are left of thos
who faced death for our Union. Yol
still are soldiers though in a differen
sense. We are joined with you in tn
army that fights for Jesus Christ AM
we still work to lead the world up
ward and onward, and so we will
serve until one by one we heard tn
last call and pass to service our coun
| try here below.
After the sermon solo ''The DH
Is Ended was sung by Ernest Skin
ner with violin obligato by Miss Irm
King. The congregation joined i
| singing America" The benedictio
was pronounced by the Rev. Mr. MAJ
tin.
Until further notice the regula
meeting of Olive Branch Rebeka