The Daily Alaska empire., 1931-05-30

should likewise serve to remind Americans, one and all, that they have solemn obligations to perform in the continued life and welfare of the Republic" declared Maj. L. E. Atkins, in the Memorial Day address delivered by him at the community ceremonies at Elks Hall this morning under the auspices of the local American Legion Post.
 He recounted the origin, purpose and extent of Memorial Day cus- toms, and gave a graphic picture of the work that the American Legion is doing in the country today.
 Day of Significance
 His address follows in full:
 There is one day in the year that will forever be sacred to the American people. It is Memorial Day, day that stands apart from all others in the year, day when Americans with gratitude in their hearts, thankful for the blessings of freedom and democracy that have accrued to them and the na- tion, bow their heads in humility before the tombs of our illustrious soldier dead. Throughout America and wherever our Flag may fly, we pause today to commemorate the gallantry of those heroic men who fought and died, who suffered and laid upon the altar of sacrifice the priceless spark of life for the build ing and the preservation of a great and mighty Republic.
 "The valor and manliness of those who died on the battlefields in the service of their country is written in the annuals of undying glory and as we visit their graves today and place thereon the wreath of affectionate remembrance, we are brought face to face with the mag nitude of their sacrifice and the nobleness of their immortal deeds Memories of our fallen brave are precious and arouse as nothing else can do all of the sentiment and appreciation that beats within the pulse of a grateful people. We pause and in silence mediate upor the greatness of their unmatched loyalty and devotion.
 Origin of Day
 Since time immemorial mankind has sought in various way to keer alive the memory of those whe sacrificed their life blood for the common veal. Great monuments have been erected as an expression of gratitude for their victories, tC commemorate their bravery and te preserve the same spirit of service for the inspiration of future gen. erations. But no monolith of alab. aster or of stone however rare, car compare with the beautiful custom we have in America of paying { personal tribute at the shrine O. our departed heroes of yesteryear
 Our observance of Memorial Da. had it's inception in the sad day immediately following the Ciyi War when flowers of loving re membrance were laid on the graves of both the Blue and the Gray To a nation so lately divided il internecine warfare this simple ac of kindness and understanding of fered some measure of consolation and from it was born nationa desire to have one day set asid' each year to pay proper respec to the memory of those who fel in that conflict. With the onwart march of the years the observanc' has taken on deeper significance and although we will ever associat' Memorial Way with memories o the Blue and Gray, we have gradu ally come to regard is as a da, to pay homage and tribute to tn soldier dead of all wars.
 Great American Institution
 "Yet Memorial Day has come t have an even greater significanc in American life and American GUS toms. It has become great Am erican institution, day to re member and keep green not onl the graves of our war dead, but
 day to revive memories and ven crate the goodliness of our love ones who have passed into tha great and undiscovered countr from which no traveller return Men, women and children every !, where in. America will make pil grimages today to the silent citie of the dead to seek out the grave of those whom death has take } away. Flowers, oceans of them, s symbolic of love and life, will | laid most tenderly on counties
 tombs by torn and bleeding heart Many will kneel beside the grave of their departed loved ones an
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