Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1922-05-29

MEMORIAL DAY.

Of putting flowers the graves of the dead has been privately
kept alive In every part Of our country tomorrow flowers
and flags will shine above the dust of sleeping heroesfor
whoever goes TO fight in good cause by that act hero.
however obscure his part. And thus far flag has gone
to war in only good causes
This fine pausng to honor the nations dead-hey who
fought defend principles Of right extend the sway of
ustieehad its origin in the south during that fratricda
struggle which settled for all time the cohesion of these
states 1t is said Philadelphia woman was instrumental
in inspiring similar movement in the north shortly after the
close Of the and much credit for the movement that
resulted in the first Memorial Day proclamation has been
given to Kansas man.
Whatever individuals may have stood out in this, it
the immediate popular response to the suggestion that laid
lasting foundation for fit and solemn tribute When
General John A. Logan commander rchef OF the armies OF
the United States issued the first Memorial Day order on
May 1868, each city. town and hame and out through
the countryside preparations made to express the
anguish Of bereavement then fresh in millions Of hearts,
Speaking Of those who had given their lives that the
nation might live he sad I'VE should guard their graves
with sacred vigilance. All that the conserated wealth and
taste the add TO their adornment and security
but fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders
Let no wanon foot tread udey such hallowed grounds
Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reveent
and fond Let vandalism of avarice or
neglect ravages Of time testify to the present to the
coming generations that have forgotten people, the
cost Of free and undivided republic.
III other eyes grow dull other hands slack and other
hearts cold the solemn trust shall keep it we'll
long the light and warmth Of life remain to U.s. Let
then. the time appointed gather around their sacred
and garland the passones mounds above them with
the choicest flowers Of spngme let above them the
dear old flag they saved from dshonor; let this solemn
place pledges aid and assist those whom they
have left among US as sacred charge upon the nations
gratitude"
In choosing May 80 General Logan guided by the
thought that this date would be best suited to meet the
needs Of all parts Of the country under varying climatic
dtons, and consequent differences OF time IN the blooming
Of flowers. At this there state but has flower
offering make and in most Of them the tide of bloom at
full flow.
The thought Of the first Memorial Day to garland
onv the graves Of those who had died the service Of the
one Gradually it has grown to include all who served
in any war; whether they died in the service, and
this Memorial Day added many new graves, echcng
the latest and greatest of all wars in which flag has been
carried 10 victory.
Time has wiped away all soreness Of hate which hndered'
united tribute fftyour years ago. The hurt has been
healed and the bitterness long since buried.
In the most perfect tribute ever put in words the sub
lime Lincoln said all there TO be said Of and for those who
the hearts well the soil Of the land they loved
In eonsecratng that sacred stretch Geysburgand he,
indeed did oonserate the dedicated to the finer part
Of living to justify the sacrifice Of those who had died.
Since then two wars have called US to the field of action
now are supported BY mddee marchers of 1898 and
the young men Of 1917.
As they 50 out to the graves tomorrow the whole nation
goes with them at least in spirit. The flowers they lovingly
place green mounds have meaning which far trasends
their beauty or fragrance
AS the year itself and the spring bursts
into boom shutting out all shadows Of barren winter
and giving promise Of summers fruitful motherhood, the
which today revived through this tribute shine
bright enough to wipe away the darkness of and put in
hearts promise however distant of day when righteous
ness shall find dwelling place in peace.
"Byeothes there Utth soul so dead
Who neuey to himself hath said:
This is my oUn, my notCe land!''
But in patriotic fervor, let not forget that
have not made America what sthe mantle glory belongs
the shoulders Of those who have gone beorethose egons
Of heroes who laid down their lives at Lbertys shrine. Let
bend the humble knee in reverenoe-to them owe
what today.
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