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Show Fond Memory of a Memorial Day in the Far Past --r-nVN In a eorr.er of the old-ip old-ip fashioned trunk kept onr-rpd t0 treasures of Ions ngo, Is a little box marked "Fi'.tliera retfliriL."-ttils." retfliriL."-ttils." The ruhbe.r bund drops from It as I lift it gently from Us place and raise the cover. Within are a cord and tassel of gold, dimmed and darkened by the years; a Grand Army badge bcarlne the Inscription I'nst 8 Q. A. It., und n pair of white cotton gloves, yellowed with nse. Back through the years they take me to Memorial day of Ions ago always al-ways a sunny day In memory when Mother pinned the bade to Father's coat of blue, dropped the fto'd cord over Ills soft hat, directed him Into his gloves and sent him off to post headquarters, where the "boys" were forming to march with their burden of flowers to the flag-decked graves in the little cemetery. A goodly procession of strong men. they stepped bravely to the music of the home town band "Marching Through Georgia," "John I'.rowii'a Rody," and other songs familltir to the lads of 'Co their minds filled with memories of Gettysburg, Southern South-ern prisons and Appomattox, as they marched to the little graveyard where their comrades lay. Mother, a member of the Relief corps, rode In the parade. Brother bore the colors of the Sons of Veterans, his boyl.-h strength bending bend-ing under trie weight of the heavy j banner and staff. i .Small Sister, transported to the einetery by wme forgotten means, all a-flutter with excitement and sin- j fill pride In her new white frock. perched on a tall tombstone ut the j ede of the ceremonial circle, recited "The Blue aid the Gray." Oh, it was bit so long ago when i there were only the veterans of Grant and .Sherman to march to the l::il j lowed graves. Now Father's Rrandeon, who perved j under I'er.-hing, steps at the head of tils regiment and lays a wreath on Grandfather's grave where the Stan and Stripes flutter. ; I cover the little box of Father's ! regimentals and put It hark In Its ! place In the corner of the trunk one i of the cor-nth .-. lli:ks in the chain of ' our country's honor and freedom. I'etrolt News. j |
