Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 39, Number 76, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 May 1907 — MAKE MEMORIAL DAY PERMANENT. [ARTICLE]

MAKE MEMORIAL DAY PERMANENT.

*•' 11 • •• "• ' ns all help to make Memorial Day or Decoration Day, as it is generally spoken of, a perm a net in-titntion. The heroes of that fierce civil strife are fast pas-*img away and the time is fast coming on when there wiH be none of theee patriots who can perform the duties necessary t.» a proper observance of the day. We read much at American patriotism, and we believe in it. We believe that the hearts and minds of the American people have imbedded in them the deepest appreciation of the sacrifices of these grand old men, and that a touch of pathos must control every loyal breast when we see the faltering foot step* of tho»e once buoyant boys and contemplate their finaL passing from, scenes of aCti Vliy^— ■ ■=^-—Jr. \ve are a nation of hero worshipers and we love to lay our garlands of love and honor on the graves of oar nation*s saviors, and as we do this in memory of their valiant deeds we arc apt in retrospect to wonder what conditions might have been if onr heroes bad been less faithful and leas ardent. The thought serves to make us more appreciative and should do termiue us to contribute liberally* of our effort to perpetuate their memory. Let us all give approval to the observance of Memorial Day to the point of making personal sacrifices that we may aid those in charge ot the program, that the work may not be too heavy for these year bent shoulders.

Some organized effort must eventually be made to preserve the hallowed ceremonies of this dearest of all American days, and then it will be that the Sons of Veterans an order that has had so difficult a task in keeping to the front, must reorganize and find its greatest purpose and its chief delight in the labors that surround the observance of Memorial Day. Until that is made necessary let us aid the old soldiers who are left to us. Lot us all be a part of this year’s ceremonies.