Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1919-06-04

fering. Enduring bronze and marble adorn the
places from whence they marched. and mark
the fields where once they battled. Less at
tention. however, has been granted 20 the sol
der citizen for his services and his influence
since the war And yet his services have been
most beneficial, and his influence has been
far-reaching in its results. Before the war
were divided up into small eommunities, and
we're very much localized, but II took the war
TO loosen up our people and arouse spirit Of
independence and enterprise. In other words
we went into the Civil war a disunfted people
And we came out of II a united nation. The
Wisconsin emtRrant mingled with the Vermont
Yankee; they touched elbows on the parade
ground shoulder to shoulder they siocd In line
Of battle; they messed together; they snapped
bareback they drank from the same cAnteen.
Naturally, each came to recognize the other
as true blue American. and all distinction u
race was ehaced. ON the battlefield we tested
the mettle Of southern chivRlry. On the pick
On the plantation witnessed the faithful
ness Of the negro and the destituti0n Of his
master. We saw the beauty Of the Southland
and realized its great opportunities. with
slavery out Of the way ready TO wei.
come family reunion. And we. who by our
valor, made IL possible for this family reunion.
are being well taken care Of by the govern
ment which we saved, and TO which went
In its time Of need and that care is not IN the
spirit Of charity, but in the payment of just
debt.
While this day is one that has been set
aside for the nation to do all the honor II owes
to those who gave their lives TO save the
Union, and TO give praise 10 those who suffered
for the same cause. and were spared, and who
with 20 do reverence TO their de-
parted comrades. ! do not believe those vet
erans will object 20 share a part Of the glory
they won, with the veterans Of the War Of
Wars, which has just closed. while IL has
been demonstrated eonclusively in the prior
wars the supremacy Of the American soldiers.
in this last and greatest of all wars. their
courage. yalor and bravery has been the ad-
mirati0n of the whole world, and a proud
mother country Is now giving welcome
home to those who were fortunate to escape
the periis Of battle that Is the envy Of all
civilians. Is mourning for those heros who
gave their lives that the world might be made
safe. and that miitarism be forever banished
from the earth.
II Is needless TO say, or try to tell. Of the
great victory which was won. and that by the
boys of our country who have received all
the honors Of war that could be bestowed
upon them by the countries which they saved
by their heroic fighting In foreign lands. Let
all the praise and glory be given them that
last as long as the world lasts. A great and
noble task well done. They returning
home now by the thousands and are fast
DOMINIC the clothes Of the civilian. and TAX
ing up the WORK Of good citizens quickly and
quietly. In short time will no longer see
them In their uniforms. but when We meet
plain citizens. but yet. like the minute men
Of the Revolution, they will be ever ready
to throttle treason and crush out lawiessness.
We have no fear that the disbandment Of a
known before will have any III effect upon
the country. II will be dissolved into the busy
industry Of the country Ike magie-today a
citizen soldier, tomorrow a soldier citizen.
IL Is a wonderful transformation. and strong
proof Of the strength and elasticity Of popular
government. While the war has cost many
valuable lives and billions Of dollars. and
waste Of property, still IL has taught many
lessons which will he Of untold value in the
future. II win revive the interest In National
holidays, and undoubtedly by legislative action
will make more Of them 10 commemorate the
more important dates Of the war. II viii
make the public school the nursery Of patriot
ism. 1t will instii into the minds Of the
youth Of this country that the preeedents
laid down in history have still been adhered 10.
That they have not been cast aside for the
vain aspirations o. one man and one country
And We all rejoiee that the terrible conflict
ended az soon as II did, and that will soon
be assured Of an everlasting peace. a safe
peace. peace that has been dictated by our
oHD country.
And as we leave these sacred and halIowed
grounds today lei az all. with one Voice, pre-
claim the words Of maTtyred President;
That a country Of the people. BY the people
and for the people. shall not perish forever
from the earth"