Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 May 1901 — At the Top. [ARTICLE]

At the Top.

On Memorial Day the flag flics at halfmast, because it is n day of commemoration of the dead. It is not uncommon for some person appointed to hoist th# flag to run it up to the peak, forgetting the funereal custom; then some veteran arrives, and causes the banner to be dropped to half-mast. This custom preserves the early sentiment of the day, when it was more a day of mourning than it is nt present. Lately many veterans have advised the abandonment of the custom, and the Issue of an order directing that the flag should hereafter always be rplsed to the peak on Memorial Day. This was th* expressed view nnd wish of Gen. Grant. It was his opinion that while th* day ought not to loss, and hsd not lost, Its significance and solemnity, It was nevertheless not a day of mourning, but on* for tha commemoration of ted rejoicing In th* nobis deed* of scridlers. On such a day It was fitting that th* flag should fly st ths highest point on th* staff on whlrii It Is placed. The matter received much attention at last year’s observance of Memorial Day, and it Is possibl* that th* dsmsed will find recognition, before th* day comes around again, in orders by .some at least of th* department commanders for ths full-masting of ths flag.