The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1918-05-25
MEMORIAL DAY
PROCLAMATION.

Under date of May 18th. Governor
Albert E. Sleeper has issued the fol-
lowing proclamation:
The observance of Memorial Day, a
day dear to the heart of the patriot,
the day of all days which most abounds
in hallowed memories and associations,
is distinctively an American custom,
and one that beautifully reflects the
spirit of democracy. 1t is day which
brings to the surface the kindlier,
nobler impulses of the human heart,
and bids us pause, even in times OF
war, to honor the memory of those
who offered up their lives on freedom s
altar. 1t is the day that commentaries
the great deeds and heroic sacrifices OF
the brave men who, more than half a
century ago, sustained the cause of
the Union. These men deserve well of
ourselves and all future generations of
Americans. They saved the nation
from disruption. They redeemed labor
from slavery. They converted into a
concrete, living fact what before had
been held as an abstract principle,
namely, that all men are created free
and equal in power and endowment,
but equal in their right to life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness. The
men who accomplished these stupend-
GUS labors were true patriots; and it is
ours to honor the memory of the de-
parted and pay homage to those who
still live.
Again, to-day, the life of the Re-
public is threatened, this time from
without. We have been forced into
war. We face the peril which menaces
all the free nations of the earth. and
we have made common cause with
them. Together we are fighting to
keep the world from being throttled
by ruthless autocratic power. The
fate of democracy hangs in the balance.
The freedom of the world is at stake; !;
and, as our fathers went out in sixty
one to do battle for righteous cause,
so our sons are going out to-day to do
battle for a cause that is no whit less
righteous. They are fighting to uphold
the rights of humanity. They are
fighting to save civilization from des-
truction. Their valor and their patriot
ism need no eulogy. They are worthy
sons of worthy sires.
One young soldier writes to his
mother, 81 am going to fight this war
as a man, and I'll never come back
with stain on the name love. If
am called upon to make the supreme
sacrifice, I'm going with my boots on
and smile on my lils. When am
across, don't worry, little mother, be-
cause want you to be proud to call
me My son." That spirit will win.
1t cannot fail to win, although the
hour of victory may be delayed by the
magnitude of the task which confronts
our gallant soldier and sailor lads.
God bless them, and keep them true
and steadfastl God help US at home
to realize our responsibility, and, with
whole hearted devotion, to do our part.
Therefore, that we may pay trib-
ute of affection and esteem to the sur
viving veterans Of the Civil War and
of the Spanish-American War, and do
honor to the memory not only of the
men who gave up their lives in these
wars of the past, but of the brave
boys also who have fallen in the pres
ent conflict. /. Albert E. Sleeper, Gov
ernor of the State of Michigan, do
hereby issue this. my Proclamation,
and sincerely urge the observance of
Thursday, May thirtieth, nineteen
hundred and eighteen, as Memorial
Day.
venture to express the hope that
the day will be kept in a manner con-
,sistent with the spirit of the occasion.
1t should be day for the re-dedica-
tion of our strength and service, the
renewed conservation of our every ef-
fort and resource, to the support of
our fighting forces.
And, pursuant to President Wilson's
proclamation, earnestly request the
people of Michigan to observe this day
as solemn festival, and to gather in
their accustomed places of worship
and there to offer prayers for the vic
tory of the American armies. that a
just and lasting peace may be estab-
Dished throughout the world.
On that day flags should be displayed
at half-staff until noon, and then
haisted to the top Of the staff.