Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 126, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 May 1912 — The Soldier Dead [ARTICLE]

The Soldier Dead

Hallowed by a supreme sanctity are the graves of the soldier dead. So it was in the days of the ancient races, and so it will be when the last war has been fought and the battle-flags are forever furled. Those who flag and their country, who have endured the hardships of camp and march, or who have fallen in the red carnage of battle, have a peculiar claim upon the gratitude and affection of succeeding generations. In no land has this claim been more freely recognized than in out own; and no people was ever before so generous in its tributes to Its fallen heroes, or In its treatment of those who came home from its wars. When returning springtime brings the flowers, in all their feloquent beauty and symbolism, we celebrate a Memorial day wMch is characteristic of the spirit of the republic. It is now an even half-century since the beginning of the stupendous conflict for the preservation of the Union, and the anniversary la bringing home with renewed emphasis the sacrifices and the significance of those dark dhys. Happily, it brings also a greater appreciation of the complete reunion of the severed sections, and of the peace and prosperity which bless the land. - y. —— Before General Logan wroteithe order, in 1868, which was the beginning the popular and official dedication of May 30 to the patriot dead, a tender impulse of womanhood in the stricken south had begun the beautiful custom of strewing with blossoms the passionless mounds above those who bad fallen in the' passion of battle. The usage and the associations of years have consecrated the day above our other holidays. Upon it there gleams a glory 'which lightens the past, and which showß us that the blood and the tears were not shed in vain, and that the fruition of the sacrifice justifies the seed which was sown.