The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1920-06-04
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY
TAKES THOUGHTS TO EUROPE

Today, Memorial Day, May 30,
1920. our thoughts are in Europe.
Especially those of us who have
""buddies'' or comrades, sons OF
daughters, brothers or sisters sleep
ing ''over there.
Perhaps, when three weeks ago
the graves of the veterans of the
world wax that lie here in the south
land were being decorated, along
with those of our beloved Confeder-
ate veterans, our hearts were sad
dened. Because we knew Of some
graves that we would love to place
wreaths upon, but could not because
of the distance that interviewed. But
our hearts are made to rejoice at this
tine because of the fact that upon
every known American grave that
lies in Europe-and there are more
than <seventy-fve thousand OF them,
Will be placed today a wreath OF
flowers and an American flag. This
accomplishment is made possible
through the organization of the
American Legion.
Last year on Memorial Day tiow-
ers were placed upon the graves Of
the Americans sleeping cover there"
by the veterans that were still on
the ground. At that time some OF US
were in the heart Of Germany ser
wing with the U. S. Military Mission.
Well do I remember how cheerfuiiy
and how gladly the members Of that
mission. to a man, contributed to the
fund to provide flowers for that pur,
nose. Their ''buddies" that had
been left behind were going to be re-
membered on that day.
This year we have no veterans on
the ground. And, so, it was alto
gether proper that the American
Legion should take The matter IN
charge. The local post Of the Legion
was glad of the opportunity to make
a contribution to this, cause. When
we honor the memory of those OF our
comrades who laid down their lives
upon the altar Of liberty we confer
an honor upon ourselves. For II ever
men died for cause that was just
these men did. Greater love hath
no man than this, that man lay
down his life for his friends" we
read in the; sacred word. These
men. whose graves we decorate to-
day, laid down their lives for their
friends. for you and for me. And
so, it is fitting that on stated occa,
sions like this we pause and recaH
20 mind the noble sacrifices these
heroes made, lest, in our mad rush
for material things, we forget.
tI-est we forget!
In my minds vision today l can
yjvidiy see rows upon rows OF Wnlte
crosses, and at the foot of each
cross wreath of fresh flowers, and
the "Stars and Stripes" waving IN
the gentle breezes. Nor is that an;
I can see also nyriads of beautiful
designs of bead work, so famous
among the French, that have been
placed there by the kindly women OF
France. Think not, fond mothers,
that because you can not attend your
sons graves, they are being neglect
ed. The big hearted mothers OF
France have adopted these graves as
those of their own sons, and LOVING
hands keep them ever fresh and
clean.
Today we are reminded Of those
lines that have been so often quoted:
sWe are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
i In Flanders fields
ssTake up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch: be yours to hold it high.
If We break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies
grow
In Flanders fields"
J. B. S.