Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1919-06-04
Mr.. Proctor's Address

Ladies and Gentlemen; America has not
many national holidays, yet it IL most fortu-
nate in those 1t has. in the sentiment they
represent and in their widening scope and
tendency. Unique are they in that they seem
suggested by and follow the Of the
year. Thus in the fulinesa of summer season
when all nature reyels in produetiveness, comes
the nations natal day--the Fourth Of July.
Originally intended for the mere reading Of
the Magma Charts, later followed by parades
and professions. IL has now become the day
dedicated to patriotism. when the people In
harmony with the season, reyei in enthusiasm
and enjoyment. And in the autumn. when
and plenty prevails in the land. comes Thanks
giving Day. At first, but eommemorations,
poor, when open-handed charity doth "sooth
aud heel and bless" the needy and unfortunate.
And in .nid-winteT, when nature Is in her
restful mood: and the cory FIRE place invites
to introspeetion. comes the birth day Of "the
father Of his country" IL IL not wasted in
singing the praises Of a potentate. blasphem-
ously claiming his rights by the grace Of God.
II is no longer a mere anniversary. but has
become the day dedicated 20 the fathers. and
IL given over TO discussion of those great
and lasting principles personi6ed by the found
ers Of land, those iaen Of wisdom
and foresight, righteously basing their claims
upon the grace Of God.
And in the springtime. when nature, eyoiv-
ing from the icy folds Of winter. buds and
biossome into life. the spirit Of patriot
ism, with increased zeal. bursts upon the
thought, and doth suggest Memorial Day.
Designated ny Nne proclamation OF q fnttt1Arg
order for the decking ~ soldiers graves
oaly. il toe. has broadenad and widened Ifs
scope and has become tie day dedicated to
the dead, " hose marrow houses" are then
Rarianded by loving hands. whose hslloRed
memories. doth induce to pensive meditation
In every home where the grim spectre Of
death has left its trace. memory recounts
anew the virtues Of loved ones gone. while
natures fairest offerings prepared and
Eanetihsd a. symbols Of affection. Thus the
observance Of this day has given wonderful
funu pfU ~ q
and IN this one where we are holding the
eeremones. II has been made most beautiful
by the constant care Of one Of those to whom
Todsy. with bowed head and slowed step
with muHIed drum and draped GsR. the people
proceed 20 the silent cities Of the dead, and
shrine Of patriotism. the nag Of our country,
gsrianded BY the hands Of innocent childhood
with flowers Of remembrance, while sorrow
sheds a tear for those who sleep meath
Southern soil In nnknsNn, unmarked graves.
Zach year the ranks Of our surviving com
rades grow pathetiealIy smaller. but not thin
ner. for as in the service, they gaiiantiy dress
ed 10 the right. 30 do they now present solid
front, patriotic sentiment. As time rolls on,
the Civil war, with its experiences and re-
suits. becomes and more interesting and
instructive. Like the revolution. whift gave
Us life. the record of the Civil war which
brought uA maturity, will be read by future
generations a. grand poem. The nations
Of Europe. each one military camp, booked
on in wonder and smszsmenf, 10 this
country, whose people we're engfossso IN trade
and industry, whose standing army was but
police force. stamp from the earth. IL were.
) mighty and fully equipped army. The cit
izen solder. Of whom this army was composed,
endured the hardships incident 10 campaigns
and fought battles Of unusual magnitude. as
II he were a trained veteran. After years Of
deAolstinE war. he set free the bondman Of the
south. firmly eemented the sisterhood Of states,
and rebuilt the union, one and iRdiyisibis.
Great praise, and well deserved has been
accorded the citizen soldier OF those days, Tor
a =
story they have been inortalized for their
bravery IN battle and their patience in suf-