Evening star., 1936-09-21
RITES DRAW FEW
UNION VETERANS
1900 at Rites in Cathedral
Hear Bishop Freeman
Give Sermon.
BY JAMES WALDO FAwCErr.

hVSL L
Only few Of the Union veterans
gathered in the Capital for the
Seventieth National Encampment OF
the Grand Army of the Republic at
tended the opening service at WASH
ington Cathedral yesterday afternoon
The weather prevented some from
being present. illness or weariness
after long travelling kept others away.
But time really was responsible for
the fact that q mere corporals guard
OF the survivors of the struggle of
l86l-ls65 appeared at Mount St.
Alban for the rites arranged in COM
memoration Of their services to their
country.
approximately $500 persons stood
In reverent attention In the lofty flag
hung choir while Obey Nelson of
Slater. Iowa. commander In chief of
the G. A. r.. led his comrades to seats
Of honor at the chancel rail.
The service, originally planned to
be staged at the Peace Cross. but
transferred indoors because of threat
ening rain. began with the singing OF
the hymn God of Our Fathers,
after which DR.. Overton H. Mennet,
Junior vice commander in chief, read
the Scripture lesson, Deuteronomy,
28:l-l4.
Touching Incident.
A touching incident occurred when
the congregation Joined in THE
Battle Hymn Of the Republic" Seat
ed in the front row, blind and
crippled, A. M, Lathrop. 95, raised his
trembling voice in the familiar words
and sang alone while worshipers
standing around him let unchecked
tears fall in tribute to the spectacle
of his courage. A Red Cross nurse
silently moved to his side. but he was
not aware of her coming. With deep
scanned face lifted toward the altar,
he finished the song then listened to
Rev. j. King Gibson, G. A. r. ma
tional chaplain from Dayton, Ohio,
recite the Apostles Greed and the
Lords Prayer.
Canon Raymond L. Wolven read the
special prayers for the President. the
Nation and world blessed with as
piration for peace and fellowship.
One verse of America" was sung
before Bishop Freeman introduced Mr..
Nelson. The grizzled old fighter, 90
years young" belied his appearance
when, in tones brave and clear. he
told the congregation and the radio
audience, listening in over both the
National and the Columbia networks:
Il feel that am standing on holy
ground dedicated to the church and
to the Union"
Although he said he believed he was
mot allowed" he spoke a word of
greeting to 'the young couple at Slater
celebrating their first wedding ami.
versary"-his grandson and grand
daughter-before closing with the pc
tition: May Gods richest blessing be
with us these days."
Bishop Freemans sermon praised
the honored and beloved survivors of
great cause" But, he said, I'VE
have no disposition to linger over the
hAShsoAy VA doyo WLCkA Ou1 IONuAuOil
terests suffered shock and division.
Unity Under Our Flag.
This is no time to boast of our
achievements or to be ungenerous to
those who with fervor and zeal main
tanned what they believed to be their
sacred rights and privileges. We may
rejoice in that we are q sovereign
Nation of 4s united and imperishable
States. We may with assurance felici-
tate ourselves as We view our present
prospect. that there is no North. no
South, no East. no West, and that
under the aegis Of one flag we repre-
sent unity of life and purpose that
guarantees to us the security of all
We treasure and hold dear"