Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1920-05-28
FRIDAY, MAY %, 1920
"The Old Soldier. I"

Address Of Governor w D. Hoard Of Wisconsin in re-
spouse the above sentiment at the g. A. H. Banquet
in Faneuil Hall, Boston, August IA, 1884,
When God sent forth the children of Israel that
wonderful Journey so full of result the subsequent
destiny of man. placed in the jealous care OF chosen
few the precious ark of the covenant.
So stands the Grand Army of the Republic, today
the chosen priesthood American liberty consecrated
by the blood vulgar sacrifice as the guardians OF
that precious with freedom, wherein lies Uhe
essence our national life and destiny 1t is not an
empty purpose of self the vain glory1ng OF wars
recollections' that brings together.
These Passover days and we sing the song OF our
mighty deiverance in the living hope that it's music
shall linger forever in the hearts of our children
War is terrible reality yet it has always proved
wonderful developer national character. Peace hath
it's corruptng influences no less than war; The spirit OF
sacrifice dies the sordd pursuits of gain absorb both
day and night and come to measure God, man, and
country by the 'guineas stamp"
When the war of The Rebellion broke like cloud
burst sweet dream of peace it found US asking
the cowardy question, How will this affect our bust
nesS?"
In four eventful years grand TRANSPORTATION of
tonal character place. We became nation of sol
diers ready without question, for sacrifice in de-
Tense of the ark of covenant
We made solemn compact then with the whole
world that American institutions should mot perish
from the of the earth but live forever, the hope
of mankind
Here broadens out the iIlimitabe horizon of duty
that surrounds the old soldier.
Why does he wear the blue9 Why does he travel
continent to kndle afresh the fires of liberty
and of patriotism?
What was and is and will be the purpose of his be-
ing till hs last expiring breath?
Did the old soldier fight for an abstraction, for
empty SYMBOL for mere piece of bunting9 No! His
mission defend and broadly establish Amer
lean institutions.
1t his noble task to deepen and enlarge the chan
mel of American PRIDE to broaden American understand
ing the foundations of liberty in Short, to
tablish the glory of American civilization
He fought to put down caste, and built in it's stead
the spirit of true democracy.
The best and brayest blood of all nations leaped
gladly to the sacrifice
No nativistic ideas prevailed before the
mouth. The baptismal smoke of that mighty
prejudice. The American flag, tn ank God recog
nzes distinction of blood that of sacrifice in it's
defense.
The old soldier believes in true American citizen
ship and he makes no apology for calling it American
either
He believes in the ballot box and proposes to defend
its purity and it's today, just he did in '61
He believes in the absolute separation of church and
state, and he believes with all his might mind and
strength in tie public school.
He remembers that the spirit of Southern rebellion
found in schooltouse.
And so remembering and believing with the lessons
of sad and costly history burned deep in his heart he
stands today in the front of American destiny ready
in himself and his children to prove "a loyal to
his country's ca."-Wisconsin Memorial Day Annual.