Show IM immemorial MEMORIAM forty tour four years ago today to day the custom or of be decking with flowers the graves of soldiers was inaugurated by commander in chief john A logan jogan of the G A R on that same date the last union soldier in the great conflict which rent this nation for four bloody years received his honorable discharge the custom is a one and it has become so universal that in many of 0 the states not only the graves of soldiers but of loved ones who never saw a battle are strewn with vi alth flowers utah has adopted this practice p and today we strew flowers for the alie dead and by that act wo w are unquestionably drawn nearer to them and the impression on our souls is undoubtedly for the better speaking of the brave men who fought and died for their country the writer will never forget the lisit made it a few years ago to the national cemetery at mount arlington just across the beautiful potomac river from the city of washington the little party making the alic trip was conveyed from the rations nations capital to the national city of the dead by electric and steam cars and was thence driven through tho the beautiful wooded park in carriages As we passed along we could look for blocks and blocks between the great trees and see the white tiers of grave stones that marked afie last rest ing place of heroes the tiers of graves seemed to be innumerable and finally upon arrival at the mansion on the banks of oc the river which was formerly the home of general robert E P lee on the sloping bank and in the little dells of the grand park were laid the great men of the war leaders who fought and suffered some of whom were killed and others who lived to see peace restored and when their days were finally ended found a resting place beside their comrades marble and granite shafts indicate who the sleepers are and one cannot visit the place without a feeling of gratitude and admiration tor for those who defended the cause cau ie neither can one help hell but feel admiration admira tion and respect lor for the noble men on the other side nho w bo foug fought ht for what they thought was right so it is most fitting that we strew flowers today and remember what was as done for the honor of this nation and the preservation of 0 the constitution it is also fitting that we remember our loved ones who have goue gone before and recall the happy association with nith them here and it Is good when these experiences make an impress impression lon on our souls that impels us ns to better living illing and awakens a daire within us to strew flowers for the living helping each other and doing our share in the great battle of life so that when we have joined those who are now sleeping some kind hand will be raised to bless our memory and beautiful flowers will be strewn upon our graves |