Introduction. Each returning Memorial Day brings to the youth of this land the privilege of placing a token of appreciation upon the graves of those who gloriously laid their lives upon the country's altar in time of need. It brings an opportunity to gladden the hearts of their surviving comrades by the knowledge that the rising generation is inspired with the same ardent love of country and reverence for the flag that impelled them to offer their lives in its defense. The day is consecrated to the purpose of honoring all, living or dead, who contributed to the preservation of the Union. It is more than a holiday; it is a holy day; sacred to the memory of those who shed their blood for freedom and liberty, devoted to the solemn pleasure of honoring those of the living who risked the horrors of war that each and every man might partake of the benefits of freedom, and dedicated to the necessity of so training the youth that free institutions bought with blood and treasure may never crumble and decay. Memorial Day is sacred and should not be profaned by sports and games. It is not a day for amusements. It was established at a time when every home in the land was in mourning, as a day upon which a grateful people could offer thanks to the memory of its honored dead. To make it a day of recreation, defeats the purpose for which it was designed. School boards and teachers. are earnestly requested to do all in their power to prevent the desecration of the day and to use every means to create in the community a desire for its proper observance. Appropriate exercises commemorative of the day, should be held in every school in the state. It should be made an event to be remembered by every pupil in the school. An invitation should be extended to the G. A. R. to be present, and if there is no Post in the community, personal invitations should be sent to the old soldiers of the neighborhood to come and if possible recount to the school their war experiences. In our schools are gathered the youth of every land. The pupil of the present will be the citizen, and if need be, the soldier of tomorrow. It is the duty of the teacher to make such a preparation for the day as will teach the origin, spirit and history of our institutions. Patriotism is a growth. It is the product of the teachings of the home and school. If our institutions are to prevail, a love of country, a devotion to duty and integrity of purpose must be developed in the hearts of the pupils which shall safeguard their existence. There are battles to be fought as well as battles that have been fought. The nation today needs citizens of the highest ideals. Patriotism is not alone such a love of country as will cause one to risk his life on the battle-field in her defense, but will give the courage to vote and speak for right principles of government regardless of personal loss. To think right, to act right and to vote right, is the preparation needed today by the youth of America. It is easy to be moved by patriotic feeling when listening to the sound of martial music, but it is not so easy to stand for principle in opposition to public opinion or the disapproval of one's fellows. The schools have a duty to perform for the nation today as well as in the past, and I trust that the Memorial Day of May 30, 1906, will do much toward developing the spirit of patriotism in the youth of the state. C. P. CARY, State Superintendent. |