Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 May 1898 — MEMORIAL DAY [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

MEMORIAL DAY

THE annual occurrence of the day when the nation pays Its tribute to and reveres and honors the dead who fought for the preservation of the Union, who suffered and slaved and sacrificed everything, even life, for the country they loved, brings to the attention of all patriots the fact that those who serve the nation are not forgotten. Though they have passed away, the boys who wore the blue are remembered, and their graves are decorated by loving hands, that appreciate and respect and honor their courage and services. It is gratifying to know that each Memorial Day lessens the stings and sorrows of the war, hides the scars and turns bitterness Into sympathy. No more do we speak with unkindness of those who sought to divide the nation, who fought for slavery, and whose activity and perseverance cost us so dearly. The irritation and anger and bitterness of the conflict is passed, and while we honor those who preserved the nation, we do not hate the others who thirty years ago were our enemies. We respect them for their bravery, remember that they are brothers. We have forgiven them for their errors, and yet not forgotten the valor of our own soldiers who defeated the enemy. The nation is bound together forever and inseparably. There is no North and no South, nor is there a West or an East. This is the United States, one from many, and we say “the United States is” typifying the perpetuation of the Union by using the singular Verb. We honor the dead and respect the Union and are filled with sorrow as each year passes and reduces the numbers of those who battled for liberty and union. The services observed generally throughout the United States shows most conspicuously that patriotism is not dead and that the new generation, born since the war, is mindful and appreciative of the accomplishments of the one that Is passing away.